
IE© 



MEMORIALS 



OF THE • " • 1^ 



INTRODUCTION OF METHODISM 

INTO THE 

EASTERN STATES: 

COMPRISING BIOGEAPHICAL NOTICES OF ITS EARLY PREACHERS, 
SKETCHES OF ITS FIRST CHURCHES, AND REMINISCENCES 
OF ITS EARLY STRUGGLES AND SUCCESSES. 

BY REV. A. STEVENS, A.M. 

Li 



BOSTON: 
CHARLES H. PEIRCE, 

BINNEY & OTHEMAN. NEW YORK: LANE & TIPPETT. 
CINCINNATI : SWORMSTEDT & MITCHELL. 
1848. 




THE LIBRARY 
or CONGRESS 

NGTON 



5^ 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1847, 
By CHARLES H. PEIRCE, 
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. 



Stereotyped and Printed 
By George C. Rand and CompLny, 
No. 3 Cornhill, Boston. 



/ 



PREFACE. 



The present work will not, the author trusts, be subjected to 
the wonted rigor of criticism. Its pretensions are necessarily of 
the most unostentatious character. It claims not the dignity of 
History, nor even that of Annals, being not sufficiently consecu- 
tive and minute for the latter title, nor sufficiently general and 
elaborate for the former. It is simply what its title imports, 
" Memorials," not of the progress of Methodism in the eastern 
States, but of its introduction into them. Under this convenient 
title, the writer has attempted to give what biographical reminis- 
cences are still extant respecting the early preachers of Meth- 
odism in those States, together with historical sketches of its 
earliest churches, accounts of its Conferences, Circuits, strug- 
gles and successes, the whole arranged, as far as practicable, in 
chronological order, and presenting the materials of its history in 
New England, down to the nineteenth century. The recorded 
data for such a work are very slight — and the author has had 
to depend largely on the correspondence of aged members and 
preachers of the denomination, a necessity which has involved 
exceeding labor and perplexity. He found, in many instances, 
that his inquiries were too late, the earliest records of important 
churches having, in numerous cases, been lost, and their first 
members gone to the grave. He has been conscious through 
the whole of his task, that it has been too long delayed. Anx- 
ious to save from utter loss, many evanescing reminiscences, he 
may have recorded some things which the reader will not deem 
worthy of the trouble. If so, several considerations must be 

3 



4 



PREFACE. 



borne in mind : First, that the volume is designed as a compila- 
tion of data, rather than a digested history conformed severely 
to the critical rules of historical composition ; secondly, that 
many of these data are derived by correspondence from sources 
which will soon cease to exist, or from publications out of 
print, and therefore, if not now recorded, ma.j soon be lost for 
ever ; thirdly, that their insertion may lead to further researches 
and discoveries. 

Some account is given of every Methodist preacher who was 
regularly appointed to New England during the first five years 
of our history. Several of these biographical notices are neces- 
sarily very slight ; they are nevertheless inserted, that ampler in- 
formation may be obtained, if possible. If some of them are 
deemed insignificant, it must be borne in mind that they occupy 
but a proportionately insignificant amount of room. 

As many important facts in the work have been derived from 
original sources, and publications out of print, the author has 
chosen to let his authorities speak for themselves, to a consider- 
able extent. And as he is the first who has written, largely, on 
the local history of Methodism in New England, he has given 
abundant marginal references, both to verify his statements and 
to aid further researches, should they hereafter be undertaken. 
In a subsequent volume, he hopes to continue the narrative 
through periods of more varied and more interesting events. 

Note. — Several of the faces in the Frontispiece are real portraits ; Timothy Merritt 
stands in the pulpit, George Pickering sits behind him, Dr. Fisk is addressing the Confer- 
ence at the foot of the pulpit stairs ; on his left sits Bishop Hedding, presiding, and Dan- 
iel Fillmore at the table, as Secretary ; at the left of the latter are, first, John Brodhead; 
second, Enoch Mudge ; and third, Asa Kent — all three within the altar. In about the 
centre of the pews Joseph A. Merrill will be recognized, with his face towards the specta- 
tor ; on his left is Ebenezer F. Newell ; behind the latter and in the adjacent right hand 
pew is Thomas C. Peirce ; to the left of Mr. P., and slightly behind him, is Abraham D. 
Merrill , while at his right sits Epaphras Kibby and Isaac Bonney. Near the latter, Ed- 
ward T. Taylor stands, with folded aims, in the aisle ; behind Mr. T. sits David Kil- 
burn, and before him, Phineas Crandall. The likenesses are as accurate aa the scale of 
dimensions would admit. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 



PAGE 



Jesse Lee. — Lee on Boston Common — His early Life — Conversion — Com- 
mencement of his Public Labors — Is drafted into the Army — Scenes in the 
Camp — Enters the Itinerancy — Illustrations of his Ministry — Is appointed to 
New England. • 13 

CHAPTER II. 

Intkoduction of Methodism into New England. — Lee's Appointment — Pre- 
vious progress of Methodism — State of Religion in New England — Points of 
contrast between the Theology of Methodism and the Theology of New Eng- 
land — Arminianism — Reaction of Calvinism — Effects of Methodism. 33 

CHAPTER III. 
Lee in New England. — Lee enters New England — Preaches on the highway afc 
Norwalk — Rev. Cornelius Cook — Scenes at Fairfield — New Haven — Redding — 
Stratfield — Stratford — Vexatious Trials — Yisit to Rhode Island — Cheering 
Reception — Preaches in the Court House at New London — Returns to his Con- 
necticut Circuit — Formation of the first Class in New England — Singular 
Treatment — Second Society formed — Reflections — Third Class — New Her- 
alds enter the Field. 46 

CHAPTER IV. 

Lee and his Co-Laborers m New England. — The first New England Methodist 
Ministry — Jacob Brush — Sketch of his History — His Death — Daniel Smith — 
His Character — Description of his Preaching — Farewell Sermon at Lynn — 
Dr. George Roberts — Outline of his History — Anecdotes — His Character — Tri- 
umphant Death. • 68 

CHAPTER V. 

Lee Itinerating in New England. — Excursion to "Weathersfield — Labors at Hart- 
ford — Visits Farmington — Interest for " Principles " — Forms the New Haven 
Circuit — Excursions — Passes through Rhode Island — Unexpected meeting with 
Garrettson — Tour of the latter — Lee arrives in Boston — Preaches at Salem, 
Newburyport, Portsmouth, Marblehead — Returns to Boston — Departs for the 
Conference — Reflections. 80 

CHAPTER VI. 

Lee and his Co-Laborers, 1790-1. — Lee returns to the Conference — His Success 
in the East — Plan of Labor for the ensuing year — Old Circuits — Dr. Roberts — 
John Bloodgood — John Lee — Nathaniel B.Mills — Samuel Wigton — Henry 
Christie — Lee's return to New England — Boston — Trials — Departs for New 
York — Formation of the first Methodist Society in Massachusetts — Erection of 
the first Chapel — Lee returns to the Conference at New York — Results. 96 



6 



CONTENTS- 



CHAPTER VII. 

PAGH 

Lee's Co-Laborers in New England in 1791-2. — Plan of Labors — Matthias 
Swaim — James Covel — Aaron Hunt. — Religious condition of New England — 
John Allen — Lemuel Smith — Menaies Rainor — Robert Greene — Locations. - • 117 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Lee anb Asbury in New England, in 1791-2. — Lee returns to the East — 
Preaches at Marblehead — Ipswich — Lynn — Excursion into New Hampshire — 
Preaches in Portsmouth. — Newburyport — Windham — Needham — Excursion 
to Rhode Island — Excursion to Western New England — View of his Labors — 
Asbury enters New England — His incessant Preaching — Scenes at Stepney — 
Stratford — New Haven — IMiddletown — Newport — Providence — Boston — 
Lynn — His return Westward — Results of the Year. 129 



CHAPTER IX. 

Laborers and Labors of the Ecclesiastical tear 1792-3. — Session of the first 
New England Conference — Asbury — His Character — Lee — Hope Hull — Ser- 
vices at the Conference — Appointments — Membership — Jeremiah Cosden — 
Joshua Taylor — His Christian Experience and Ministry — Smith Weeks — PhiUp 
Wager — James Coleman — Richard Swain — Hope Hull — Fredus Aldridge — 
David Kendall — Robert DiUon — Jordan Rexford — Lee Itinerating — Asbury 
re-enters New England — Methodism prevails — Results of the Year. 144 



CHAPTER X. 

EccLESLiSTiCAL TEAR 1793-4. — Conference at Lynn — At Tolland — Asbury leaves 
New England — Appointments for the year — Sketches of Ezekiel Cooper — 
Enoch. Mudge — New London Circuit — Methodism in Maine — Trials. 177 



CHAPTER XI. 

Further Sketches of the Ministrt of 1793-4. — George Pickering — His Life 
— Character — Death — Daniel Ostrander — His Labors — Hezekiah Calvin 
Woorster — The power of Ministry — Zadock Priest — Joshua Hall — Amos G. 
Thompson — Benjamin Eisler — John Hill — Joseph Lovell — Jason Perkins. ■ ■ • 196 



CHAPTER XII. 

Incidents of 1793-4. — New Circuits — Province of Maine — Formation of the first 
Circuit — The first Society — Success elsewhere — Vexatious Trials — Anecdotes 
— Thomas AVare — First Printed Attack on Methodism in New England — Devo- 
tion and Usefulness of the Itinerant IMinistry — Asbury again in the East — 
Results of the Year. 221 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Early INIethodist Churches in New England. — The first Society formed by Lee 
in New England — Trials — The oldest Methodist Layman of New England 
and his Family — Fii-st Methodist Chapel in New England — Lee's Visit to Eas- 
ton — Norwalk. 240 



CONTENTS. 



7 



CHAPTER XIV. 

PAGE 

Earlt? Methodist Churches in New England, continued. — Original Vigor of 
Methodism — Lee's Visit to Hartford, Conn. — Formation of the first Methodist 
Society there — Its Extinction — Its Renovation — Lee's first Visit to Warren — 
Mr. Martin Luther — Erection of the first Methodist Chapel in Rhode Island — 
Overthrow of the Society — Its remarkable Resuscitation — The Church in 
Bristol. 253 

CHAPTER XV. 

EiRST Methodist Episcopal Church in Massachusetts. — Lee's Visit to Lynn — 
Mr. Benjamin Johnson, Sen. — Remarkable Incident — Erection of the first 
Methodist Chapel in Massachusetts — Signal honors of Lynn. 267 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Methodism in Boston. — Mr. Black's Labors in Boston — Lee on the Common — 
Difficulties — Formation of a Class — Exertion of the first Chapel — Colonel Bin- 
ney — MultipUcation of Churches in the City. 276 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Conferences in New England in 1794. — Lynn Conference of 1794 — Asbury — 
Wilbraham Conference — Interest of the occasion — Sermons of Asbury and Lee 

— Power of Lee's Eloquence — Appointments. 288 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Biographical Sketches. — Christopher Spry — Evan Rogers — Thomas Coope — 
George Cannon — Methodism in Provinceto-ivn — John Chalmers — Zebulon 
Kankey — Wilson Lee — Remarkable Incident — John Crawford — David Brum- 
ley — His History — Ecclesiastical Systems of Methodism. 298 

CHAPTER XIX. 
Lee and Asbury Itinerating. — Interview with Mudge and Stoneman at Nor- 
wich — General Lippett — Attacks Calvinism at Waltham — Quarterly Meeting at 
Weston — Goes to Maine — First Society — First Methodist — Second Society — 
Chapel at Readfield — Asbury — Results of the Year. 315 

CHAPTER XX. 
Notices of the Conferences and Preachers op 1795. — Conference at New Lon- 
don — Extent of Methodism in New England — Cyrus Stebbins — John Vanne- 
man — John Harper — Elias HuU — Jesse Stoneman — Joseph Mitchell — Na- 
thaniel Chapin — Daniel Dennis — Timothy Dewy — Poverty of the Church. • • • • 335 

CHAPTER XXI. 
Asbury and Lee Itinerating. — Asbury — Lee at Boston — The first Methodist 
Chapel in the Metropolis — Persecution at Provincetown — Lee in Maine — Inci- 
dents at Mount Desert — Asbury returns to the East — Results of the Year. 343 

CHAPTER XXII. 
The Thojipson Conference. — Conference at Thompson, Conn. — Asbury's Ser- 
mon — Lorenzo Dow — Asbury leaves New England — New Circuits — Kennebec 

— Bath — Chesterfield — Vershire — Outline of Labors. 355 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

PAGE 



Sketches of Preachers. — Ralph Williston — Robert Yellalee — Elijah Woolsey 
— John Brodhead — Character — Tiino*-,hy Merritt — His History and Character. 361 

CHAPTER XXIV. 
Events and Results of 1797. — Lee's Appointment — Power and Success of tha 
early Itinerant Ministry — Asbury prostrated — Success of the Year. 377 

CHAPTER XXV. 
Conference and Preachers of 1797. — Second Wilbraham Conference — Good 
Tidings — Lorenzo Dow — David Buck — Roger Searle — Ebenezer Stevens — 
Joseph Crawford — Ezekiel Canfield — John Finnegan. 382 

, CHAPTER XXVI. 
Sketches of Preachers. — Peter Lane — Michael Coate — Shadrack Bostwick — 
Joseph Snelling — Methodism on Cape Cod — Anecdote of Lee — Sandwich, 
Mass. — Martha's Vineyard — House Warming at Holmes' Hole — Methodism in / — '■'^ 
Bristol, R. I. — Barnstable — Falmouth — WUliam Thatcher. { 392 



CHAPTER XXVII. 
Travels op Asbxtrt and Lee in 1798. — Asbury and Lee return to New England 
— John Hill — Success of the Year — Increasing Vigor of Methodism — Revivals. 409 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 
Conferences of 1798. — First Methodist Conference in Maine — Interest of the oc- 
casion — Asbury's Sermon — Lee's Discourse and Reflections — Conference at 



Granville — Incidents of the Session — Asbury and Lee leave New England. 48l^ 

CHAPTER XXIX. 
Notices of Preachers. — TViUiam Beauchamp — His History — Daniel Webb — 
Granville Circuit — Hawke — Norridgewock Circuit — Boston — Martin Rutter — 
Newport — Little Compton. 423 

CHAPTER XXX. 
Notices of Preachers. — Epaphras Kibby — Itinerant Hardships — Revival at 
Monmouth — Hallowell — New Bedford — Provincetown — John Soule — Char- 
acteristics — Elijah He*ek»g. • • ^ . •-. 436 

CHAPTER XXXI. 
Results of the Year. — Prosperity of the Year — Joseph Mitchell — Vermont — 
Massachusetts — Lorenzo Dow on Pittsfield Circuit — Maine — Aggregate Mem- 
bership — Hostilities — An Example. 457 

CHAPTER XXXII. 
Conference of 1799. — Preachers — Elijah Sabin — His Ministerial History — Eli- 
jah Hedding — Ministerial Labors — Character. 465 

CHAPTER XXXIII. 
Conclusion. — Lee and Asbury — Condition of the Circuits — Controversy in 
Maine — Great Progress in Vermont — Lorenzo Dow — Elijah Hedding — Num- 
ber of Methodists in the New England States — Conclusion. 484 



CHAPTER I. 



JESSE LEE. 

Lee on Boston Common — His early Life — Conversion and Sanctification — Commence- 
ment of his public labors — la drafted into the Army — Scenes in the Camp — Enters 
the Itinerancy — Illustrations of his Ministry — Is appointed to New England. 

In the centre of the Boston Common still stands a gigan- 
tic elm — the crowning ornament of its beautiful scenery. 
On a fine summer afternoon, in July, 1790, a man of middle 
age, of a serene but shrewd countenance, and dressed in a 
style of simplicity which might have been taken for the guise 
of a Quaker, took his stand upon a table beneath the branch- 
es of that venerable tree. Four persons approached, and 
gazed upon him with surprise, while he sang a hymn. It was 
sung by his solitary voice ; at its conclusion he knelt down 
upon the table, and stretching forth his hands, prayed with a 
fervor and unction so unwonted in the cool and minute peti- 
tions of the Puritan pulpits, that it attracted the groups of 
promenaders who had come to spend an evening hour in the 
shady walks, and by the time he rose from his knees they 
were streaming in processions, from the different points of the 
Common, towards him. While he opened his small Bible and 
preached to them without " notes," but with ^Hhe demonstra- 
tion of the Spirit and of power," the multitude grew into a 
2 13 



14 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



dense mass, three thousand strong, eagerly catching every 
utterance of the smgular stranger, and some of them receiv- 
ing his message into " honest and good hearts." One who heard 
Mm at or about this time, says : When he stood up in the 
open air and began to sing, I knew not what it meant. I 
drew near, however, to hsten, and thought the prayer was 
the best I had ever heard. He then read his text, and be- 
gan, in a sententious manner, to address his remarks to the 
understandmg and consciences of the people ; and I thought 
all who were present must be constrauied to say, ' It is good 
for us to be here.' All the while the people were gathering, 
he continued this mode of address, and presented us with 
such a variety of beautiful images, that I thought he must 
have been at infinite pains to crowd so many pretty things 
into his memory. But when he entered upon the subject 
matter of his text, it was with such an easy, natural flow of 
expression, and in such a tone of voice, that I could not re- 
frain from weeping ; and many others were affected in the 
same way. When he was done, and we had an opportunity 
of expressmg our views to each other, it was agreed that 
such a man had not visited New England since the days of 
Whitefield. I heard him again, and thought I could follow 
Mm to the ends of the earth." * 

That bold evangehst was J esse Lee — the founder, under 
God, of Methodism in New England, and although the pre- 
ceding year must be admitted as its true epoch, yet the year 
of Ms appearance in the eastern metropohs, 1790, may be 
considered the period in which it assumed a definite and se- 
cure position. He had arrived in Connecticut in June, 1789, 
and preached at Norwalk, New Haven, &c., and towards the 
termination of the year formed, as we shall hereafter see, a 

* Ware's Memoir, Chap. XIII. 



JES3ELEE. 15 

class in Stratfield, a parish of Stratford, and another at Read- 
ing, but these were only preliminary movements. He was 
alone, surveying the ground. The classes in Stratford and 
Reading consisted, the first of but three, and the last of but 
two, members ; the former was formed but about three 
months and the latter only about three days, prior to 1790. 
It was in the year we have designated, that a detachment of 
preachers, Jacob Brush, George Roberts, and Daniel Smith, 
arrived to prosecute the plans of Lee, and the labors of 
Methodism in New England were fairly begun. It was also 
in this year that the Annual Minutes report, for the first time, 
returns of members from New England towns. 

Jesse Lee, then, appears in the history of New England 
Methodism as its primary and most prominent character — 
its founder. He was born in Prince George county, Virginia, 
in the year 1758. His parents were respectable members 
of the Protestant Episcopal Church. It was his good fortune 
early to receive, both at school and at home, a strictly Chris- 
tian education. He mentions in his journal the salutary in- 
fluence upon his childhood of the catechetical instruction of 
his teacher. " In a thousand instances," he says, " when I 
felt an inclination to act or speak amiss, I have been stopped 
by the recollection of my catechism, some parts of which I 
did not understand ; yet it was good, upon the whole, that I 
learned it." * 

This correct early training produced its usual consequen- 
ces, conformably to the declaration of the wisest of men.f I 
do not," says he, " recollect that I ever swore in my life, 
except one night, being in company with some wicked young 
people, I uttered some kind of oaths, for which I felt asham- 



* Thrift's Life of Lee, Chapt. L All future qviotations from Mr. Lee it will be under- 
Btood are from this Memoir Their places will bo sufliciently indicated by their dates, 
t Prov. 12:6. 



16 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



ed and sorry all the next day ; and when alone, I felt that 
God was displeased with me for my bad conduct. I believe 
I never did any thing in my youth that the people called 
wicked. I used, however, to indulge bad tempers, and use 
some vain words." 

The convertion of both his parents, about his fourteenth 
year, led to a fuller consecration of their domestic circle. A 
pious conversation of his father with a friend, about this time, 
induced a train of reflections in his mind which resulted in 
profound rehgious convictions, and which he describes as fol- 
lows : 

" One of my mother's relations came to my father's and 
stayed all night ; the topic of conversation was experimental 
religion. While engaged on this interesting subject, my fa- 
ther observed, ' that if a man's sins were forgiven, he would 
know it.' That sentence, ' if a man's sins were forgiven, he 
would know it,' took hold of my mind, and I pondered it in my 
heart. The next day, when alone in the field, it kept running 
across my mind, ' if a man's sins are forgiven, he will know 
it.' I thought it over and over again, and concluded it must 
be so, for my father said so, and I beheved it. At length I 
began to reason with myself thus : are my sins forgiven ? I 
hope so — but do I know it ? No ! I have no assurance of 
it ; immediately it was impressed upon my mind mth uncom- 
mon force, go and pray. The impression was repeated, and 
I went off into a large branch, which was surrounded with 
thick bushes ; then I stopped and look to see if any person 
was near me, but could see no one ; yet I thought some one 
might pass that way and see me, so I set off to another place 
where the bushes appeared to be yet thicker, but when I 
came there I was afraid of being seen ; I then went to 
another place with the same reasoning, and the same fears, 



JESSE LEE. 



IT 



"but at length I ventured to kneel down, and began to pray 
that the Lord would forgive my sins. 

"My distress of soul at that time was very great, and nev- 
er wore off till my sins were forgiven. 

" I would frequently, after that time, get by myself, and 
with many tears, pray God to have mercy upon my poor soul, 
and forgive my sins. Sometimes, in the open fields, I have 
fallen on my knees, and prayed, and wept, till my heart was 
ready to break. At other times my heart was so hard, that 
I could not shed a tear. It would occur to my mind, ^ your 
day of grace is past, and Grod will never forgive your sins.' 
It appeared to me, that of all sinners in the world I was the 
greatest. 

" Thus I went on for about four weeks, in which time I 
never, for an hour, lost sight of my wretched condition. 
The cry of my soul was, ' how shall I escape the misery of 
hell ? ' I cared little about the sufferings of this life, if I 
could but escape eternal misery. I read, ' that some asked, 
and received not, because they asked amiss ; ' the remem- 
brance of this, made me, for a season, afraid to use many 
words in prayer, for fear I should pray improperly, and, 
therefore, ask amiss. 

One morning, being in deep distress, fearing every mo- 
ment I should drop into hell, and viewing myself as hanging 
over the pit, I was constrained to cry in earnest for mercy, 
and the Lord came to my relief, and delivered my soul from 
the burden and guilt of sin. My whole frame was in a tre- 
mor from head to foot, and my soul enjoyed sweet peace. - 
The pleasure I then felt, was indescribable. This happiness 
lasted about three days, during which time I never spoke to 
any person about my feelings. I anxiously wished for some 
one to talk to me on the subject, but no one did. I then be- 
gan to doubt my conversion and to fear that I was deceived 
2* 



18 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



— I finally concluded that if I Tvere not conyerted, I would 
never rest without the blessing, and began to pray to the 
Lord to show me my lost condition, and let me feel my dan- 
ger, as I had pre^aously done ; but as I could not feel the 
burden of my sins, the enemy of my soul suggested to my 
mmd that the Lord had forsaken me and that I had sinned 
away my convictions, and deceived my own soul. Thus I 
was a prey to those doubts and perplexities for about six 
months, before I could assuredly beheve that I was in the fa- 
vor of God. One evening, travelhng in company with a 
rehgious neighbor, he asked me if I were ever converted ? 
I told him I behoved I had been. He asked me several ques- 
tions relative to the circumstances of the change, which I 
endeavored to answer. He then said, ' you are surely con- 
verted.' I was much strengthened by that conversation, and 
so much encouraged as to tell other people, when they asked 
me, what the Lord had done for my soul." 

Not long after, these misgivuigs (the usual trials of the 
recent convei-t) were completely removed by stronger mani- 
festations of the di\ine favor. The Spirit itself bore witness 
with his spirit that he was the child of Grod, and enabled 
him to say, I know in whom I have beheved." 

No Methodist preacher had yet visited the neighborhood, 
but these remarkable changes in himself and family, seem to 
have been brought about through the instrumentahty of the 
Rev. Mr. Jarret, of the Protestant Episcopal Church, a 
good man, fuU of the Holy Ghost and of faith," and distui- 
guished in the early history of jMethodism for his cordial co- 
operation with its pioneers when they entered Virginia. 

^ATien, in 1774, a Methodist society was formed in the 
viciaity, young Lee, then but 16 years of age, together 
with both his parents, and an elder brother, immediately 
connected it. The doctrine and spirit of the new sect 



JESSE LEE. 



19 



were accordant witli their own experience. His father free- 
ly opened his house as a regular preaching place of the cir 
cuit, and for nearly half a century, it was the home of the 
laborious itinerant, whenever he passed through that section 
of his field. " Like the house of Obed-Edom," says the bi- 
ographer of Lee, " the Lord blessed his, because the ark of 
the Lord rested there. This son often took sweet counsel 
with the preachers who visited his father's. They not only 
imparted instruction by the public ministration of the word, 
but in social conversation, they gave such advice as was suit- 
ed to the particular case of each individual." 

God had designed his young servant for signal services ; 
it was not enough that he should be thus, almost from child- 
hood, consecrated like Samuel, and trained under the person- 
al example and conversation of those heroic men who com- 
posed our first ministry ; he was to be led, while yet in the 
freshness of his youth, into the deep things of God, that he 
might be fully anointed with the unction of the Holy One, 
for the extraordinary labors of the future, and might be able 
to bear a testimony, which should be emphatic with the au- 
thority of his own experience, to the sufficiency of the blood 
of Christ to " cleanse from all unrighteousness." A remark- 
able revival of religion took place in his neighborhood, which, 
with its influence upon himself, he thus describes : — ^ " We 
had the greatest revival of religion I had ever seen. I was at 
meetings where the whole congregation were bathed in tears ; 
and sometimes their cries were so loud that the preacher's 
voice could not be heard. Some were seized with tremWing, 
and in a few moments dropped on the floor as if they were 
dead, while others were embracing each other, with stream- 
ing eyes, and all were lost in wonder, love and praise. Dur- 
ing that season, my soul was greatly blessed, and for the 
greater part of my time, I was ' strong in faith, giving glory 



20 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



to God.' I had such confidence in, and love to God and his 
service, that I was willing to be any thing, or nothing, so 
that God might be all in all." 

But this happy frame of mind could not fully satisfy him ; 
it led him to hunger and thirst still more after righteousness. 
The increased illumination he had received, enabled him to 
perceive more clearly the height of consecration and joy yet 
to be attained. He attended a Quarterly Meeting — one 
which seems to have been of the truly primitive style — a 
high, and holy festival — where scores were slain and made 
ahve by the power of God. Several persons were sanctified 
wholly at this meeting. He caught the spirit of their exam- 
ple. " I went home," he says, " with a fixed determination to 
seek for a deeper work of grace, and to hope, and pray, and 
wait for that perfect love which casteth out all fear. I did 
firmly beUeve that the Lord was both able, and willing, to 
save to the utmost all that would come to him. I felt a sweet 
distress in my soul, for holiness of heart and life. I sensibly 
felt, while I was seeking for purity of heart, that I grew in 
grace, and in the knowledge of God. This concern of soul 
lasted for some time, till at length I could say, I have noth- 
ing but the love of Christ in my heart. I was assured that 
my soul was continually happy in God. The world, with all 
its charms, is crucified to me, and I am crucified to the 
world. ''^ 

Thus abundantly endued with power from on high, while 
yet in his eighteenth year, he was maturing for the great 
work before him. Several occasions for the exercise of his 
gifts in public exhortation, presented themselves about this 
time, but his natural diffidence rendered the cross insupport- 
able, and might have long interferred with his entrance into 
the ministry, had not domestic circumstances providentially 
led to his removal to North Carolina, where, away from the 



JESSE LEE. 



21 



embarrassing associations of his native neighborhoodj lie felt 
more courage for such untried efforts. Here he was appoint- 
ed a class leader, and soon began to exhort in public. He 
gives the following account of his first attempts as a public 



" On the 8th of March I gave a public exhortation, which 
was mj first attempt. I then lacked a few dajs of being 
twenty years old. The Saturday night following, I went to a 
watch night, at brother Lock's, where F. Garrettson led the 
meeting ; he asked me to speak, and I exhorted ; it was my 
second attempt. The next evening I attended a watch night, 
at C. Bustin's, where I exhorted again; but I felt truly sensi- 
ble of my own weakness ; and what made the cross heavier, 
was owing, probably, to the circumstance of having many 
of my old friends and acquaintances to hear me. 

" From that time I frequently exhorted at prayer meetings 
and class meetings ; and sometimes I appointed meetings in 
the neighborhood, or among the neighboring societies, with a 
view of speaking to the people, and of begging them to be 
reconciled to God. 

" I have often admired the providence of God in opening 
the way for me to remove to North Carolina ; for, had I con- 
tinued among my relations in Virginia, I might not have be- 
gun my public labors so soon ; for at that time of my life I 
was very timid. But when I removed among strangers, I 
lost, in some degree, my former fearfulness. I seldom gave 
an exhortation without weeping ; for my heart yearned over 
the souls of poor sinners. 

" At that time I could truly say, ' The zeal of thy house 
has eaten me up.'' 

" During these exercises, I had very little thought of be- 
coming a preacher ; I only wished to exhort, and pray, and 
live to do good to the souls of the people. My soul was re- 




22 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



markabl J happy in general, botli in private and in public . My 
chief wish and greatest concern was, to know the will of 
God, and to do it in all things, both great and small. At the 
close of the year, I went to visit my friends in Virginia, and 
was at meeting with them at different places, and exhorted 
them publicly, and with much earnestness, to flee the wrath 
to come, and prepare for a better world." 

He returned to North Carolina, and was soon actively 
laboring as a local preacher. 

Trials are necessary to the preparation of the successful 
ambassador of Christ. In 1780, Mr. Lee was subjected to 
a series of them, which, while they were peculiarly incon. 
genial with his religious sentiments, nevertheless afforded him 
many lessons in the knowledge of human nature, that were 
of much subsequent advantage to him, and also tested, amidst 
the reckless vices of a camp, the firmness of his Christian 
character. The Revolutionary war was rife through the land. 

Few," says his biographer, " who had arrived at the proper 
age, were exempt from taking an active part in the conflict. 
The militia were drafted, and it fell to Mr. Lee's lot to go. 
How illy it accorded with his rehgious views, may be seen in 
the following extracts : 

" ' I weighed the matter over and over again, but my mind 
was settled ; as a Christian, and as a preacher of the gospel, 
I could not fight. I could not reconcile it to myself to bear 
arms, or to kill one of my fellow creatures. However, I de- 
termined to go, and to trust in the Lord, and accordingly pre- 
pared for my journey. 

"'Monday, July 17, 1780, I left home, set out for the 
army, and travelled about twenty-five miles to Mr. Green 
Hill's, where I was kindly used. I tarried there all night. 

" ' Wednesday, 19th, I set off early in the morning, and 
travelled about sixteen miles, to Mr. Hines'. In the after- 



JESSE LEE. 



23 



noon we had much conversation on spiritual matters, and in 
the evening I felt mj heart more engaged with God in prayer 
than usual. I felt my dependence upon God, and though I 
believed that great difficulties lay before me, yet I resigned 
myself into the hands of God, and felt assured that he would 
protect and take care of me. 

" ^ I did not join the army till the 29th. On the evemng 
of that day I came in sight of the camp, was soon called on 
parade, and orders were given for all the soldiers to be fur- 
nished with guns. I then lifted up my heart to God, and 
besought him to take my cause into his hands, and support 
me in the hour of trial. 

" ' The sergeant soon came round with the guns, and offer- 
ed one to me, but I would not take it. Then the lieutenant 
brought me one, but I refused to take it. He said I should 
go under guard. He then went to the colonel, and coming 
back, brought a gun and set it down against me. I told him 
he had as well take it away, or it would fall. He then took 
me with him, and delivered me to the guard. 

" ' After a while the colonel came and taking me out a 
little way from the guard, began to converse with me, and to 
assign many reasons why I should bear arms ; but his reasons 
were not sufficiently cogent to make any alteration in my 
mind. He then told the guard to take care of me, and so 
left me.'" 

Befitting firmness for a soldier of the cross ! But he not 
only refused to violate his conscience by bearing arms — he 
remembered that he was panoplied for a higher warfare, and 
immediately set himself about it. After dark," he says, 
" I told the guard we must pray before we slept, and having 
a Baptist under guard, I asked him to pray, which he did. 
I then told the people, if they would come out early in the 
morning, I would pray with them. I felt remarkably happy 



24 



MEMORIALS OP METHODISM. 



in God under all my trouble, and did not doubt but that I 
should be delivered in due time. Some of the soldiers brought 
me straw to lay upon, and offered me their blankets and 
great coats for covering. I slept pretty well that night, 
which was the first and the last night I was ever under guard. 

" Sunday, 30th. — As soon as it was light, I was up, and 
began to sing, some hundreds of people soon assembled and 
joined with me, and we made the plantation ring with the 
songs of Zion. We then knelt down and prayed ; while I 
was praying, my soul was happy in God ; I wept much and 
prayed loud, and many of the poor soldiers also wept. I do 
not think that I ever felt more willing to suffer for the sake 
of rehgion, than I did at that time." 

He went further. A neighboring inn-keeper, while yet in 
bed, heard his early prayer, was affected to tears, and came 
entreating him to preach. In a short time the man of God 
was standing on a bench near the tent of his commanding 
officer, proclaiming as his text, " Except ye repent, ye shall 
all likewise perish^ Such was Jesse Lee. " I was ena- 
bled," says he, " to speak plainly, and without fear ; and I 
wept while endeavoring to declare my message. Many of 
the people, officers as well as men, were bathed in tears be- 
fore I was done. That meeting afforded me an ample re- 
ward for all my trouble. At the close of the meeting, some 
of the gentlemen went about with their hats, to make a col- 
lection of money for me, at which I was very uneasy, and 
ran in among the people, and begged them to desist." 

Fidelity to duty is the best means of securing alike the 
esteem of men and the protection of God. When his colonel 
heard of his preaching, " It affected him very much," says Lee, 
" so he came and took me out to talk with me on the subject 
of bearing arms. I told him I could not kill a man, with a 
good conscience, but I was a friend to my country, and was 



25 



willing to do any tMng I could, while I continued in the 
army, except that of fighting. He then asked me if I would 
be wiUing to drive their baggage wagon. I told him I 
would, though I had never drove a wagon before. He said 
their main cook was a Methodist, and could drive the wagon 
when we were on a march, and I might lodge and eat with 
Mm, to which I agreed. He then released me from guard." 

For nearly four months was he detained in the army, suffer- 
ing the severest privations and trials, — fatiguing marches, 
want of food, the clamorous profanity of the camp, and sick- 
ness, that, in one instance, endangered his life, but during 
which he was comforted to find that he had no doubt of his 
salvation," " for," he adds, " I behoved that should the Lord 
see fit to remove me from this world, I should be called to 
join the armies of heaven." 

During these sufferings, he continued to preach, whenever 
circumstances admitted, and not mthout effect on his hardy 
hearers. " Many of them," he says, on one occasion, " were 
very solemn, and some of them wept freely under the preach- 
ing of the Word. I was happy in God, and thankful to him 
for the privilege of warning the wicked once more. It was 
a great cross for me to go forward in matters of so much im- 
portance, where there were few to encourage, and many to 
oppose ; but I knew that I had to give an account to God 
for my conduct in the world — I felt the responsibility laid 
upon me, and was resolved to open my mouth for God. I 
often thought I had more cause to praise and adore him for 
his goodness than any other person. For some weeks I 
hardly ever prayed in public, or preached, or reproved a sin- 
ner, without seeing some good effects produced by my labors." 

For more than a year after his discharge from the army, 
he was zealously occupied in preaching, about his native 
neighborhood. He was, meanwhile, frequently impressed 
3 



26 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



with the conviction that it was his duty to enter the travelling 
ministry, but hesitated, under a consciousness of the respon- 
sibiHty of the sacred office. In this state of suspense, he 
attended the session of an annual Conference, held at Ellis' 
Chapel, in Sussex Co., Virginia, April, 1782. Thirty 
preachers were present — an heroic band of itinerant evan- 
gelists. The spectacle of these devoted and self-sacrificing 
men, their ardent zeal for God, their sympathy and forbear- 
ance for each other, touched his heart, as the like spectacle 
often has the hearts of thousands of others. He thus speaks 
of this affecting scene : — " The union and brotherly love 
which I saw among the preachers, exceeded every thing I 
had ever seen before, and caused me to wish that I was wor- 
thy to have a place among them. When they took leave of 
each other, I observed that they embraced each other in 
their arms, and wept as though they never expected to meet 
again. Had heathens been there, they might have well said, 
' See how these Christians love one another ! ' By reason of 
what I saw and heard, during the four days that the Confer" 
ence sat, I found my heart truly humbled in the dust, and 
my desires greatly increased to love and serve God more per- 
fectly than I had ever done before. At the close of the 
Conference, Mr. Asbury came to me, and asked me if I was 
willing to take a circuit. I told him that I could not well 
do it, but signified I was at a loss to know what was best 
for me to do. I was afraid of hurting the cause which I wish- 
ed to promote ; for I was very sensible of my own weakness. 
At last he called to some of the preachers standing in the 
yard, a little way off, and said, ' I am going to enlist brother 
Lee.' One of them replied, ' What bounty do you give ?' 
He answered, ^ Grace here, and glory hereafter, willbegiven, 
if he is faithful.' Some of the preachers then talked to me, 
and persuaded me to go, but I trembled at the thought, 



JESSE LEE. 



2T 



and shuddered at the cross, and did not at that time con- 
sent." 

But though thus hesitating, he went home and prepared his 
temporal affairs, that he might be able to obey the divine 
call, and enter more fully upon what he now felt was the des- 
tiny of his life. Before the end of the year, he was on his 
way, with a colleague, to North Carolina, to form a new and 
extensive circuit. The next year, he was appointed to labor 
regularly in that State, and being now fully in the sphere of 
his duty, he was largely blessed with the comforts of the di- 
vine favor, and went through the extensive rounds of his cir- 
cuit " like a flame of fire." His word was accompanied with 
the authority and power of the Holy Ghost. Stout-hearted 
men were smitten down under it, large congregations were 
often melted into tears by irrepressible emotions, and his elo- 
quent voice was not unfrequently lost amidst the sobs and 
ejaculations of his audience. Often, his own deep sympa- 
thies, while in the pulpit, could find relief only in tears, A 
better illustration of his character, as a preacher, cannot, 
perhaps, be cited, than the profound and thrilling effect of 
his preaching, on both himself and his hearers. He records 
numerous instances : 

" Sunday, 20th of July, I preached at Whittaker's, Roan 
Oak Circuit, and the congregation wept under the "Word. 
When we met the class, the power and presence of the Lord 
was among us, and many cried aloud. I was so deeply 
affected that I could not speak, till I had stopped and wept 
for some time. I preached again at night, and the people 
wept greatly." 

" Saturday, 31st, I preached at Mr. Spain's, with great 
liberty, to a good congregation ; the Spirit of the Lord came 
upon us, and we were bathed in tears. I wept, and so loud 
were the people's cries, that I could scarcely be heard, though 



28 



MEMOEIALS OF METHODISM. 



I spoke very loud. I met the class ; most of the memhers 
expressed a great desire for holiness of heart and life, and 
said they were determined to seek for perfect love." 

" I preached at Howel's Chapel, where the Lord was 
pleased once more to visit my soul. I spoke with many 
tears, and was very happy. The hearers wept greatly. It 
was a time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. 
When I met the class, the people could hardly speak for 
weeping. It was a precious day to my soul. When I arose 
in the morning, I spent some time in walking about, medita- 
ting, and in earnest prayer. After a while I went into the 
woods and sat down, and began to reflect on what the Lord 
had done for my soul ; and then began to think what he was 
still willing to do for me, till I wept before him. My cry was, 
' Glory to God for ever ; ' he is the joy of my heart all the 
day long." 

" Saturday, 20th, I preached at Howel's Chapel, from 
Ezek. 33 : 11 : ' Say unto them. As I live, saith the Lord,' 
&c. It was to me a time of uncommon comfort. When I 
came to the last part of the text, and to show what Christ 
had done for the people, that they might not die, many of 
the hearers wept, and some of them cried aloud. I saw so 
clearly that the Lord was willing to bless the people, even 
while I was speaking, that I began to feel distressed for them, 
at last I burst into tears, and could not speak for some mo- 
ments. After stopping and weeping for some time, I began 
again, but had spoken but a little while before the cries of 
the people overcame me, and I wept with them, so that I 
could not speak. I found that love had tears, as well as 
grief. My full heart was constrained to cry, 



* No pain, no suffering I decline, 
Only let all my heart be thine.' " 



JESSE LEE. 



29 



Such a spirit as this cannot fail to captivate the multitude 
unto Christ. The man who thus preaches will and must have 
large congregations, and his ministry will and must prove a 
savor of life unto life to them, and at the same time a joy 
and profit to himself. Is it matter of surprise, that in preach- 
ing his last sermon on a circuit, the people wept so much that 
he could not proceed ? ^' I sat down," he says, " and wept 
several minutes. I then left the house, but before I could 
get far, they came around me, weeping. I began to bid them 
farewell, and to speak a few words to them ; but my grief 
was so great that I was soon forced to stop." 

During the next year, 1784, he labored on Salisbury cir- 
cuit, North Carolina, and here the same traits characterized, 
and the same results followed, his ardent ministry. In four 
days after his arrival on the circuit, we find him writing in 
the following strain : 

" Sunday, 13th, I preached at Hern's, to a large company 
of solemn hearers. While I was speaking of the love of 
God, I felt so much of that love in my own soul, that I burst 
into a flood of tears, and could speak no more for some time, 
but stood and wept. I then began again, but was so much 
overcome that I had to stop and weep several times before I 
finished my subject. There were very few dry eyes in the 
house. 0, my God! what ami, that thou art mindful of 
me ? It was a cross to me to come to this circuit, but now I 
feel assured that the Lord will be with and support me. The 
next day, I preached at brother Carter's, where I spoke, with 
many tears, to a weeping congregation." 

While on this circuit his labors were indefatigable, his jour- 
neys incessant, his health at times prostrated, his life endan- 
gered by exposure to the weather and the fording of rivers. 
Still we hear but one strain, expressive of unabated fervor, 
triumphant faith, and yearning, weeping sympathy for souls. 
3* 



so MEMOKIALS OF METHODISM. 

Specimens might be cited in abundance. We give but one 
more from his journal the present year: "I preached," he 
says, " at Tillman's, and felt an ardent desire to be of some 
service to the souls of the people. There was a gracious 
move among the hearers, and before I got through my dis- 
course, I wept over my audience for some time. None but 
God knows what I felt at that time. My heart was ready to 
break with grief on the account of poor sinners, who were 
perishing in their sins. In many cases, it appeared as if I 
could preach till I dropped dead in the pulpit, if it would be 
the means of bringing souls to the knowledge of God. My 
heart cried out, ' 0, Lord, revive thy work in the midst of 
the year. ' " 

His next appointment was on Carolina circuit, N. C, and 
in the year following he travelled Kent circuit, Md. The 
latter included four large counties. His labors were Her- 
culean. He observes that in four weeks he had to preach 
thirty-one sermons, and lead fifty-two classes. Three hundred 
were added to the church during his ministry on this circuit, 
and such scenes as have already been described were of fre- 
quent occurrence. He records seasons " when weeping was 
heard in every part of the house," when his " own heart 
seemed ready to break " with sympathy for his hearers, and 
his tears suppressed, for a time, his utterance. 

His appointment in 1787, was to Baltimore city cir- 
cuit. His large spirit could not brook the restrictions imposed 
by the usual plans of even circuit labor. He went forth from 
the chapels of the city, and took his stand on the Common, 
and here, as usual, his popular address and fervent eloquence 
won the interest and touched the sympathies of the multi- 
tude. 

He preached in the market on Howard's Hill, also in that 
on the Point, and thus brought the sound of the divine word 



JESSE LEE. 



31 



within the hearing of multitudes of sailors, and the neglected 
poor, who otherwise might have never heard it. He had 
his usual success in Baltimore. ''Many souls," he writes, 

have been awakened and converted in the circuit, 
this year. I suppose there has not been so great a work 
among the people for eight or ten years, as there has been 
this year. And in many places the work is still progressing. 
There have been much pain and sorrow, and many tears shed, 
at our parting." 

We find him next on Flanders circuit, the first Methodist 
preacher who visited that part of JSTew J ersey. The spirit 
and power of his ministry continues as before. We give, as 
a specimen, his description of a Watch-night service : 

" I preached on 1. Cor., 16 : 13 : — ' Watch ye.^ I found 
great liberty in speaking from these words, and was blessed 
in my own soul. I spoke very long and loud, the power 
of God came down among the people, and many of them 
wept greatly ; many groaned and wept aloud. 0, my soul, 
praise the Lord, and let the remembrance of this meeting 
make me ever thankful. I spoke with tears in my eyes, and 
comfort in my soul. If I may judge from my own feelings, 
or the looks of the people, I should conclude that a revival 
of rehgion is about to take place in the neighborhood. I 
have not seen so melting a time among them before. I knew 
not how to give over speaking, and continued for an hour and 
three quarters." 

Such, again we say, was Jesse Lee. God had evidently 
raised him up and thrust him forth for great deeds. The 
time to attempt them was now at hand. On leaving the 
Flanders circuit, he attended a Conference in New York city, 
in 1789, and thence set his face towards New England. 

We have thus briefly traced his personal career, down to 
the period in which it becomes identified with New England 



32 



MEMORIALS OF METH0DIS3I. 



Methodism. His character is the chief portrait in our early 
history ; — the preceding illustrations are its best exponents, 
and, therefore, not irrelevant to the scope of the present 
work. His course, thus far, was but preliminary to the 
greater labors which awaited him. The brief glances we 
have taken of it show us that he entered New England with 
the traits of an apostle, and we are prepared, from this re- 
view, to follow him in his untried field, with unfaltering an- 
ticipations of success. These glowing traits and successful 
achievements had, indeed, their occasional contrasts, and it 
might be profitable, had we room, to exhibit them. They 
would, however, but serve to confirm and enlarge the esti- 
mate we have already formed of his rare character, by prov- 
ing that he could surmount obstacles and endure discourage" 
ments, as well as triumph in the day of success — that he 
could storm batteries and pull down strong-holds, as well as 
conquer in the open field. 



CHAPTER II. 



INTE, ODUCTIOlSr OF METHODISM INTO 
NEW ENGLAND. 

Lee's Appointment — Previous progress of Methodism — State of Religion in New Eng- 
land — Points of contrast between the Theology of Methodism and the Theology of 
New England — Arminianism — Reaction of Calvinism — Effects of Methodism. 

As early as 1775, wMle acliieviiig in the South the succes- 
ses we have described, Mr. Lee had turned his eye towards 
New England. While accompanying Bishop Asbury to 
Charleston, S. C, they were hospitably entertained at a place 
called Charaws, by a merchant, whose clerk was a native of 
Massachusetts. Mr. Lee learned much from this young 
gentleman respecting the religious condition of New England. 
His reflections at the time led to a deep impression that it 
was his duty to extend the energetic labors of Methodism 
into that section of the country. His biographer assures us 
that " this impression was not a bare impulse of the moment, 
but continued from that time until he was enabled to realize 
his wishes. He frequently conversed with Mr. Asbury on 
the subject, and expressed his ardent wish to be permitted to 
go upon a mission to the people of the New England States. 
But Mr. Asbury, at that time, thought it best to advance 
gradually, and go where they were invited ; calculating, 

33 



34 



MEMOEIALS OF METHODISM. 



probably, that it was best to acquire a greater number of 
preacbers, before tbej extended tbeir labors so far ; and that 
it would require the exertions of more than one to get a per- 
manent footing in those territories. Mr. Lee, after this, 
made very zealous exertions in order to enhst preachers to 
go with him on this missionary expedition ; but was very un- 
successful, for several years, in gaining recuits, and it was 
not until five years had elapsed from the time he first felt an 
impression on this subject, that his wishes were realized." * 

The purpose thus formed in the distant South, and contem- 
plating a task which involved, at that time, most formidable 
obstacles, was characteristic of the man, and was pursued 
with characteristic zeal and steadiness. During several years 
he had been gradually advancing, in his annual appointments, 
towards the North, his eye fixed unwaveringly on New Eng- 
land. At last, in May, 1789, we find him attending the 
Conference in New York, and receiving an appointment to 
what appears for the first time in the Minutes, as Stamford 
circuit, f " In the name of God he set forward," says his 
biographer, " and on the 11th of June arrived in the State 
of Connecticut." 

Let us drop briefly the thread of our narrative, to glance 
over the new moral field, while he journeys towards it. 

Methodism had been spreading with remarkable progress 
through the middle and Southern States, for nearly a quarter 
of a century, before the visit of Lee to New England. It 
was introduced into New York city in 1766, by a company 
of Wesleyans from Ireland, among whom was Philip Embury, 
a local preacher, who administered to them the word of life, 
assisted by Capt. Webb, a devout officer of the British army. 



* Thrift's Memoir, Chap. V. 
t Minutes, 1789. 



METHODISM IN NEW ENGLAND. 35 

They consecrated, in 1768, the first Methodist chapel erect- 
ed in the new world. Meanwhile, not less than one hundred 
members had been formed into a society in Philadelphia, 
through the labors of Capt. Webb. The next year, Mr. 
Wesley despatched to their assistance two of his preachers, 
Messrs. Richard Boardman and Joseph Pilmoor. In two 
years more (1771) the laborious Asbury arrived, accompa- 
nied by Richard Wright. Asbury was providentially desig- 
nated as the leader of American Methodism. His vigorous 
and energetic mind gave it system and impulse every where. 
At his arrival, the aggregate membership could scarcely have 
exceeded 600, but in less than two years after, 1160 members 
were reported to the first Conference (July 4, 1773.) Meth- 
odism had scattered its germs in five States. At the next 
Conference, this number had nearly doubled, and a band of 
17 laborers were in the field. In 1784, the church was for- 
mally organized, under the direction of Mr. Wesley, with an 
Episcopal polity, a system of moral discipline and articles of 
faith prepared by Wesley himself. It had increased, at this 
period, notwithstanding the drawback of the Revolutionary 
War, to nearly 15,000 members, and 83 preachers ; and by 
the time of Lee's mission to New England, five years subse- 
quent, the spiritual host was more than 43,000 strong, led 
on by nearly 200 devoted Itinerant evangelists. Eleven 
Conferences were held that year, in almost as many States. 
Methodism had spread into all the Atlantic States out of 
New England ; it had penetrated into the primal wildernesses 
of the West, and its Itinerant heralds were marching with 
the banner of the cross in the van of that vast emigration 
which had then commenced, and has since covered the im- 
mense regions of the Ohio and Mississippi. 

Why had it not entered New England earlier? And 
what special reasons justified its introduction there now ? 



36 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



Doubtless the greater moral wants of the rest of the country 
had hitherto diverted its attention from the older and less 
necessitous communities of the North-eastern States ; but 
now that it had attained the vigor of a numerous and orga- 
nized body, and had projected its comprehensive plans over 
all the rest of the land, it was deemed befitting that its quick- 
ening message should be heard among the venerable but lan- 
guishing churches of the Puritans. 

Its movement in tliis new direction was rendered expe- 
dient by the undeniable condition of the New England 
churches. 

The civil relations of the church in New England had 
created other than spiritual motives for the profession of 
religion. None could hold office or vote, in her early days, 
unless a member of the church. It would be superfluous to 
comment upon the inevitable influence of such a fact ; relig- 
ion becomes more a matter of form than of principle — a 
qualification for the State, for society, or for patronage in 
business, rather than a preparation for heaven — and phari- 
saism and hypocrisy are more Mkely to prevail than a sincere 
personal faith. One of the highest authorities of the New 
England church — the " venerable Stoddard " — published 
in a sermon, That sanctification [holmess] is not a neces- 
sary quahfication for partaking of the Lord's Supper," and 
subsequently he wrote an " Appeal to the Learned, being a 
vindication of the right of visible saints to the Lord's Sup- 
per, though they be destitute of a saving work of God's 
Spirit in their hearts." Though vigorously opposed, his 
views were adopted by his own church at Northampton, and 
prevailed extensively in New England. In the last mention- 
ed work, he defends the ministry of unconverted men, con- 
tending that they have official functions which they may 
rightfully execute. It is well known that similar views ex- 



METHODISM IN NEW ENGLAND. 37' 

isted throughout the Calvinistic churches of the whole land. 
In the Presbyterian church of the Middle States, a majority 
of the synod contended that all persons baptized, and not 
heretical or scandalous, should be allowed the Lord's supper ; 
and that such persons, if educated for the purpose, should be 
admitted to the ministry. Regeneration they considered not 
ascertainable " by investigation, and not necessary to church 
membership or the ministerial office." The Tennents and 
their coadjutors labored strenuously to reform these crude 
sentiments, but against an opposition that distracted and rent 
the church for years. Gilbert Tennent's " Nottingham Ser- 
mon," on " the dangers of an unconverted ministry " — a 
terribly scathing discourse — was occasioned by this opposi- 
tion. He declares in it that " The body of the clergy are 
as great strangers to the feeling experience of the new birth 
as was Nicodemus." He and his associates were excluded 
from the synod the next year — the prime cause of what is 
called, in the history of the Presbyterian church, " The great 
Schism." The Methodist Ministry had to combat these de- 
fective and dangerous views through the length and 
breadth of the land. 

They were not uncommon in New England. Dr. Chauncy, 
a prominent character among the Boston clergy, in writing 
against Whitefield's opposition to an unconverted minis- 
try, declared that " Conversion does not appear to be alike 
necessary for ministers in their public capacity as officers of 
the church, as in their private capacity," and not a few cler- 
gymen and theological students acknowledged Whitefield as 
the instrument of their conversion. Whitefield said, " many, 
perhaps most, that preach I fear do not experimentally know 
Christ." * At the time of his third visit there were not less 
than twenty ministers in the vicinity of Boston who had been 

* Great Awakening, page 104. 

4 



38 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



converted tlirougli Ms instrumentality after entering upon the 
sacred office or their studies preparatory for it.* The au- 
thor of " The Great Awakenmg " asserts this deplorable 
state of the New England church. He says, " There were 
many in the churches, and some even in the ministry, 
who were yet lingering among the supposed prehminaries of 
conversion. The difference between the world and the church 
was vanishing away, church disciphne was neglected, and the 
growing laxness of morals was invading the churches. And 
yet, never, perhaps, had the expectation of reaching heaven 
at last been more general and more confident."! 

The devout-minded Edwards lifted up a standard for the 
remnants of the faithful. The providence of God directed 
the course of Whitefield through the decaying vineyard, and 
Gilbert Tennent followed in his track. A wide-spread im- 
pression was produced. Revivals occurred, attended with all 
those remarkable phenomena which, in later years, have been 
referred to by our Orthodox brethren as proofs of the fanati- 
cism of Methodism. 

That the religious sensation of 1740 produced a permor 
nent impression on the Calvinistic churches of New England, 
cannot be questioned ; yet we believe they owe their later 
prosperity chiefly to later influences, and not a little to that 
general spirit of revival, that philanthropic activity and spir- 
itual emulation, which all must acknowledge to have been 
co-existent with, and we believe to have been consequent up- 
on, the extraordinary out-spread of IMethodism through the 
country. The great revival of 1740 subsided. Owing to 
the fanaticism of Davenport and others, it was turned into re- 
proach. The civil courts interfered unfavorably. A host of 
clergymen, with Chauncy at their head, arrayed themselves 

* Great Awakening, Chapter II,, p. 393. 
tibid. 



METHODISM IN NEW ENGLAND. 



39 



against it, opposing it through both the press and the pulpit. 
In 1743, the annual Convention of pastors in the Province of 
Massachusetts Bay, issued their protest, ostensibly against 
its " errors," but actually against the revival ; and, though 
opposed by a counter protest, their attack had an effectual 
influence on its subsequent history. Bitter controversies 
were rife ; and when Whitefield arrived on his second visit,' 
sick and prostrated by the voyage, he found the whole com- , 
munity in agitation. The contrast between this and his for- 
mer visits is painfully affecting. The propriety of inviting 
him to the pulpits was discussed in the newspapers. A num- 
ber of Associations " pubhshed " Testimonies against him. 
Some who had been among his cordial friends at former vis- 
its, were now among his opponents. The faculties of both 
Yale and Harvard, where he had been received before with 
affectionate warmth, pubhshed " Declarations " against him, 
and it was obvious that a wide-spread revulsion had taken 
place. The change proceeded still further, until we find at 
last Edwards, the luminary of the times, dismissed from 
his charge, the first scene of the revival, and the spiritual 
prospects of the New England church beclouded by a gen- 
eral declension and settled gloom. In Boston itself, the 
number of parishes in 1785, five years before Lee's arrival, 
was actually less than a half a century before.* Method- 
ism — a revival church in its spirit, a missionary church in 
its economy — felt that it had a work to do, under such cir- 
cumstances. 

But further : Even in the best days of the Puritan church 
it had failed to exalt the standard of Christian experience to 
what Methodists deemed its Scriptural altitude. Though we 
meet in the New England theology with the phrase " As- 



t Epis. Obs. 184C. 



40 



MEMOEIALS OF METHODISM. 



surance of faitli,'* yet that experience was supposed to be lim- 
ited to a few anomalous cases, and, as a necessary sequence 
of the doctrine of election, was applied to the eternal as well 
as the present condition of the favored saint. The personal 
" knowledge of sins forgiven," as the common pri^dlege of all 
true believers, was denounced as presumption and heresy. 
Even the devout Edwards, in vindicatmg himself against his 
opponents, repelled the charge of teaching it. Methodism, 
with St. Paul, held this heresy as a most wholesome truth, and 
very full of comfort. Its people were taught never to rest 
satisfied with their spiritual experience till the spirit itself 
should bear witness with their spirits that they were the chil- 
dren of God. 

It felt itself called upon to attempt to rectify the vague- 
ness and superficiality of Christian experience in New Eng- 
land, by supplying this deficiency in its theology. 

Not only in regard to the evidence of personal rehgion, but 
more especially in regard to its extent, did it deem the New 
England theology deficient. That theology taught the neces- 
sary continuance of sin in believers through fife. It inter- 
preted St. Paul's personation of the awakened sinner under 
the law, (Rom. 7: 7-25,) as the necessary experience of 
saints under the evangelical covenant. This was, in the 
judgment of Methodism, a deplorable error, depreciative alike 
of the efficacy of the grace of God and the practical standard 
of the Christian fife, and hable to perilous apphcations. 
Methodism, on the contrary, taught that men should ''go on 
to perfection," not as a mere aspiration to an ideal perfec- 
tion, — the pursuit of what can never be attained — but as a 
legitimate and practical object of Christian faith. While it 
denied the possibility, in this fife, of absolute, angehc or 
Adamic , perfection, or a perfection that admitted not of con- 
tinued additions of gi-ace, — while it taught the necessary con- 



METHODISM IN NEW ENGLAND. 



41 



tinuance of human infirmity and temptation to the end of 
the Christian pilgrimage, it nevertheless proclaimed it the 
privilege of all saints to be delivered from all voluntary de- 
pravity. This high experience it considered to be what the 
New Testament Scriptures designate and enjoin as " Perfec- 
tion" — (Matt. 5: 48; 2 Cor., 13: 2;) meaning thereby 
more a negative than a positive perfection — a perfection not 
according to the law, but according to the modified relation 
which believers sustain to the law under the evangelical cov- 
enant. 

Methodism deemed, then, that it had a momentous mes- 
sage for New England, in this respect. 

It came also with the voice of remonstrance against some of 
the principal doctrines of the Puritan church, which it deem- 
ed derogatory to the gospel, and of dangerous practical con- 
sequence. Such were the tenets of Pre-election, Pre-repro- 
bation, Final Perseverance, Infant Damnation, &c. "VYe 
shall see hereafter that these were considered fundamental 
truths at the time of Lee's visit to New England, and that 
some of his most serious, as well as his most ludicrous ren- 
contres, arose from them. 

Few forms of religious behef were more repulsive to 
the people of New England, at the time of our introduction 
among them, than what is called Arminianism. It is curious 
to observe what distorted ideas of its doctrines were then 
current. The author of the " Great Awakening " says : 
" There was then a horror of Arminianism, such as is difii- 
cult now to understand. Men had not then forgotten the tre- ^ 
mendous evils which had grown out of the doctrine of salva- 
tion by works. * * * The argument most constantly used 
against Arminianism, in those days, was its tendency to prepare 
the way for Popery. * * * There had been a gradual and 
silent increase of Arminianism. Scarce any would acknowl' 
4* 



42 MEMORIALS OE METHODISM. 

edge themselves Arminians ; but, in many places, the preach- 
ing more and more favored the belief that the unconverted 
might, without supernatural aid, commence and carrj on a 
series of works preparatory to conversion ; and that those 
who could do it were doing very well, and were in little 
danger." 

It is evident that the author of the work from which we 
quote is not himself exempt from similar objections to Ar- 
minianism. And yet no system of religious opinions can be 
more hostile than this to the very evils ascribed to it. From 
no passage in the works of Arminius can the " doctrine of 
salvation by works " be fairly deduced. It was a leading 
proposition of his system, that salvation is by faith ; and that 
" true faith cannot proceed from the exercise of our natural 
faculties and powers, nor from the force and operation of free 
will," but from the energy of the Holy Ghost.* The follow- 
ers of Wesley teach the same. No modern Christians have 
proclaimed more emphatically the doctrines of original sin, 
the exclusive merit of the atonement, justificPition by faith 
alone, and kindred tenets. They are reiterated every Sab- 
bath in all our pulpits. The alleged errors are not Arminian ; 
they are Pelagian. Arminians have become Pelagians, but 
not from the legitimate tendency of Arminianism. Calvinists 
have often become Antinomians ; but will the followers of 
Calvin hold themselves responsible for such a result ? Yet it 
is believed by many to be the logical issue of their system ; 
while no such relation can be asserted between Arminianism 
and Pelagianism. The capital difference between Calvinists 
and ourselves relates to the subject of unconditional election, 
and its necessary consequences, — the final perseverance of 
the elect, and the reprobation of the non-elect. The only 



* See Buck's Theological Dictionary 3 Watson's do.j Bangs' Life of Arminius. 



METHOi>jLt^M IN NEW ENGLAND. 43 

ground that Calvinists have for alleging that we teach " sal- 
vation by works " is the fact that we deny this tenet. But 
how does this denial logically involve the rejection of the doc- 
trine of justification by faith, kc, so pertinaciously attributed 
to Arminianism ? 

Methodism attempted the correction of these misapprehen- 
sions, and the attempt has not been unsuccessful. Prejudice 
has yileded to better information. The Calvinists of JSTew 
England have seen that men can believe themselves sinners, 
and acknowledge the full merit of the atonement, without re- 
ceiving the " horrible decretum," as it was properly named 
by Calvin himself. It is a fact which cannot be denied, that 
the Genevan theology is, to say the least, latent in New 
England. Some still avow its doctrines, but they seldom 
receive a distinct enunciation in the public assembly. There 
is a universal conviction that the popular mind will not toler- 
ate them ; and this, too, be it remarked, not at a time of 
spiritual declension, but of advanced religious interest. 
Methodism has had an agency in this change without doubt. 
She has scattered through New England thousands of lay- 
men, and hundreds of preachers, who glory in the doctrine 
of universal redemption. Their numbers and unrivalled 
activity have had effect. Thousands and tens of thousands 
have received, with gladness and praise, their enlarged views 
of the divine compassion of the Father, and the atoning 
merit of the Son ; and these views begin to find utterance in 
all the pulpits of the land. 

Further : the entrance of Methodism into New England 
was eminently providential, in another regard. The rigid 
theology of her old churches was rapidly producing that dis- 
astrous reaction which has attended it in every other land. 
Universalism, Unitarianism, and semi-infidelity, had been 
germinating under its shade. They have grown and borne 



44 MEMORIALS OP METHODISM. 

fruit since, but not to the extent tliey would, had not a more 
benign creed been presented to the community. One of the 
most rigid organs of Puritanism admits that, " The Unitarian 
apostacy has involved a large proportion of the churches 
which were first organized by the first settlers of New Eng- 
land. In the Plymouth colony, the original churches were 
first in the apostacy ; and the church in South Marshfield is 
now the oldest Orthodox church in that colony. And, in 
the Massachusetts colony, the six first in order, of the time 
of organization, have gone ; and the church in Lynn is now 
the oldest Orthodox church of the Massachusetts colony. 
All that were established before it have despised their birth- 
right, and are in hostility to the doctrines and religion of the 
Puritans, and of the Reformation." * 

It is well known that all the Puritan churches of Boston 
became infected with Socinianism, until only one (the old 
South) still maintained a dubious acknowledgment of the 
Genevan faith. 

It was the horror which the despondent doctrines of Calvin 
inspired, that led to these remarkable changes ; and we have 
reason to believe that Methodism has afforded an intermedi- 
ate and safe ground for thousands who, in their revolt from 
Calvinism, would otherwise have passed over to the other and 
more fatal extreme. 

Such were the circumstances which justified and demand- 
ed the introduction of Methodism into New England. That 
it did not mistake its mission, has been demonstrated by the 
result. Besides its own prosperous growth, the churches of 
New England are again alive, and their moral energies active 
for the salvation of the world. What agency has effected the 
change, under the divine Spirit ? Has the existence of some 



* New England Puritan, Sept., 1842. 



METHODISM IN NEW ENGLAND. 



45 



seven hundred preachers, traversing the land and ceaselessly 
laboring, and some seventy thousand laymen, proverbial for 
energy and zeal, been without effect on the public mind ? Has 
it had no part — no highly important part — in the resuscita- 
tion of religion ? Could such an agency operate any where, 
even in a heathen community, without important effect ? What 
other special agency has operated meanwhile ? We wish not 
presumptuously to exalt Methodism. We wish only its actual 
influence, its historical position among the churches, acknowl- 
edged. Were there a more candid disposition to acknowledge 
it, we should be saved the invidious task of asserting it. The 
fact is unquestionable, that Methodism, mth its circuits 
and districts intersecting the whole land, its numerous 
annual camp-meetings, its perpetual revivals, its innu- 
merable class-meetings, prayer-meetings, four-days-meetings, 
its emphatic mode of preaching, and its assiduous pas- 
toral labors, has aroused New England, infecting or pro- 
voking its churches by its example. The assumption cannot 
be gainsayed. Not only is it matter of history, but of sober 
and irresistible inference, that such universal and powerful 
agencies have had effect, extraordinary effect. Within view 
of almost every Congregational church in New England, the 
successors of Lee have erected a tabernacle whose altar has 
been habitually bedewed with the tears of the penitent and 
the renewed. While we have thus set an example to our 
predecessors, and provoked their zeal, it is a well known fact 
that a large proportion of our converts have been gathered 
into their churches, carrying with them, we trust, some of 
the spirit of our cause. 

But though thus justified by both the reasons and the re- 
sults of its introduction into New England, the progress of 
Methodism has, from the beginning, cost untold exertions on 
the part of its ministry and people. Wc shall now proceed 
to trace more directly these exertions. 



CHAPTER III. 



LEE IN NEW ENGLAND. 

Lee enters New England — Preaches on the highway at Norwalk — Rev. Cornelius 
Cook — Scenes at Fairfield — New Haven — Reading — Stratfield — Stratford — Vexa- 
tious Trials — Visit to Rhode Island — Cheering Reception — Preaches in the Court 
House at New London — Returns to his Connecticut Circuit — Formation of the First 
Class in New England — Singular Treatment — Second Society formed — Reflections — 
Third Class — New Heralds enter the Field. 

The history of Methodism in New England, for the first 
two or three years, is but the personal biography of its re- 
markable founder. During the first year, he was alone in the 
new field, and when others came to his help, he left them to 
occupy the posts he had already estabhshed, while he himself 
went to and fro in all directions, penetrating to the remotest 
north-eastern frontier, preaching in private houses, in barns, 
on the highways, forming new circuits and identifying him- 
self with every advancement of the church. 

We have seen him depart from the Conference at New 
York, for Connecticut. He arrived the 11th of June, 1789, 
and preached his first sermon in New England at Norwalk, 
the 17th of that month. The diflBculties he encountered in 
the outset were characteristic of the community, and were 
met with his characteristic persistence. 

46 



LEE IN NEW ENGLAND. 



47 



" Wednesday, June 17, 1 set off," he says, " to take a tour 
further in Connecticut than ever any of our preachers have 
been. I am the first that has been appointed to this State, by 
the Conference. I set off with prayer to God for a blessing 
on my endeavors, and with an expectation of many opposi- 
tions. At 4 o'clock I arrived in Norwalk, and went to a Mr. 
Rogers', where one of our friends had asked liberty for me 
to preach. When I came, Mrs. R. told me her husband was 
from home, and was not willing for me to preach in his house. 
I told her we would hold meetings in the road, rather than 
give any uneasiness. We proposed speaking in an old house, 
which stood just by, but she was not wilhng. I then spoke 
to an old lady about preaching in her orchard, but she would 
not consent, and said we would tread the grass down. The 
other friend gave notice to some of the people. They soon 
began to collect, and we went to the road, where we had an 
apple tree to shade us. When the woman saw that I was de- 
termined to preach, she said I might preach in the old house ; 
but I told her I thought it vfould be better to remain where 
we were. So I began on the side of the road, with about 
twenty hearers. After singing and praying, I preached on 
John 3:7: 'Ye must be born again.' I felt happy that we 
were favored with so comfortable a place. After preaching, 
I told the people that I intended to be with them again in 
two weeks, and if any of them would open their houses to re- 
ceive me, I should be glad ; but if they were not willing, 
we would meet at the same place. Some of them came, and 
desired that I should meet at the town-house, the next time ; 
so I gave consent. Who knows but I shall yet have a place 
in this town where I may lay my head ? 

It has generally been supposed that this was the first 
Methodist sermon preached in the town of Norwalk, or even 
the State of Connecticut, but Lee himself mentions the prior 



48 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



labors of Mr. Black ; and Rev. Cornelius Cook had preached 
in Norwalk about two years before Lee's arrival. Mr. Cook 
entered the itinerant ministry in 1787, and died of the yellow 
fever in New York in 1789. His career was brief, but useful. 
His death was sudden ; he was buried with all his clothes on 
and his money and watch in his pockets. He was not for- 
gotten, however ; his remains were disinterred, and one of 
liis fellow laborers, who still Hves a hoary-headed veteran of 
our ministry,* took his watch and has carried it since, as a 
memorial of his faithful friend. f 

" Thursday, 18th," continues Lee, " I rode about sixteen 
miles, to Fairfield, and put up at Mr. Penfield's tavern, near 
the court house, and soon told them who I was, and what 
was my errand. The woman of the house asked me a few 
questions, and in a little time wished to know if I had a hb- 
eral education. I told her I had just education enough to 
carry me through the country. I got a man to go with me 
to see two of the principal men of the town, in order to get 
permission to preach in the court-house. The first said he 
had no objection ; the other said he was very wiUing. How- 
ever, he asked me if I had a liberal education. I told him 
I had nothing; to boast of, thou2;h I had education enou2:h to 
carry me through the country. Then I went to the court 
house, and desired the schoolmaster to send word, by his 
scholars, that I was to preach at 6 o'clock. He said he 
would, but he did not think many would attend. I waited 
till after the time, and no one came ; at last I went and 
opened the door, and sat down." 

Chilling prospects, certainly, for a flaming mmd like his, 
burning with the magnificent idea of founding in these East- 
ern States a new religious organization, which, in half a 



♦ Rov. Elijah Woolsey. f Letter of Rev. W. C. Hoyt (of Norwalk, Con.) to the writer. 



LEE IN NEW ENGLAND. 



49 



century, was to dot their surface with its chapels, and scatter 
over their hills and valleys its seven hundred ministerial 
heralds. Most men, placed in Lee's circumstances, as he 
sat solitary in the village school-house, would have perceived 
in his project an absurdity no less ludicrous than was the 
grandeur of the design. Not so this man of God. Even 
here a ray of hope, at least, dawns on him. " At length," 
he says, " the school-master and three or four women came. 
I began to sing, and in a little time thirty or forty collected. 
Then I preached on Rom. 6 : 23 : * For the wages of sin is 
death ; but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord.' I felt a good deal of satisfaction in speak- 
ing. My soul was happy in the Lord, and I could not but 
bless God that he gave me to feel for the souls of those that 
heard me. The people were very solemn towards the end of 
the sermon, and several of them afterwards expressed, in my 
hearing, their great satisfaction in hearing the discourse. 
After Mrs. Penfield came back to the tavern, she pressed me 
much to call the next day and preach at her sister's who, she 
said, was much engaged in rehgion, and would be much 
pleased with my manner of preaching. This appeared to be 
an opening of the Lord ; so I told her I would. I stayed 
all night, and prayed with the family, who were very kind, and 
would not charge me any thing, but asked me to call again." 

The prospect brightens the next day. God had prepared 
for him a little band of congenial spirits, who had been praying 
and waiting for the arrival of such a message of salvation as he 
now bore to the East. " Cast thy bread upon the waters," 
says the wise man, " for thou shalt find it after many days." 
Rev. Mr. Black, a distinguished Wesleyan preacher, had 
arrived in New England, some years before, and preached with 
success in Boston and other places. He made an excursion into 
5 



50 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



the interior, and penetrated as far as this part of Connecticut. 
He probably had no thought, that in this transient visit, he 
was preparing the way for the laborious founder of Methodism 
in the East. The seed he casually scattered, had, however, 
sprung up, and Lee was now welcomed by a few inquiring 
spirits who had been led, by the instrumentality of Black, to 
seek for a higher rehgious life than prevailed around them. 
Referring to the request of the lady just mentioned, he says : 
" Friday, 19th, I rode to Timothy Wheeler's, about four 
miles, and after delivering a letter to the woman of the house 
from her sister, Mrs. Penfield, she read it, and seemed much 
rejoiced that I had come. She then began to tell me how it 
had been with them, and said there were a few of them that 
met once a week to sing and pray together ; but they were 
much discouraged by their elder friends, and that they had 
been wishing and praying for some one to come and instruct 
them and seemed to believe that God had sent me. At 
length she said she was so rejoiced that her strength had al- 
most left her, and sitting down, she began to weep. Mr. 
Black, one of our preachers, had been there a few years be- 
fore, and some of the people had been wishing for the ]\Iethod- 
ists ever since. They spread the news as much as they 
could, and at 7 o'clock the people met, and I preached to an 
attentive congregation. After meeting, some of the people 
stayed to talk to me about rehgion, and wished to be instruct- 
ed in the ways of the Lord. I thuik five or six of them are 
truly awakened ; one, I think, has experienced a change of 
heart ; but those under distress would be often saying they 
were afraid they had never been awakened. I told them, if 
they saw that they were in danger of hell, and felt a desire 
to be born again, they might know that they were truly 
awakened." 



LEE IN NEW ENGLAND. 



51 



On Sunday, 21st, we find him at New Haven, the Athens 
of the State. It was a stormy day, but he preached in the 
court-house, at 5 o'clock, to a considerable congregation, on 
Amos 5:6: ' Seek ye the Lord^ and ye shall live.^ Among 
his auditors were the President of the College, many of the 
students, and a Congregational clergyman of the place. " I 
spoke," he says, " as if I had no doubt but God would reach 
the hearts of the hearers by the discourse. The people paid 
great attention to what I said, and several expressed their 
satisfaction. Mr. Jones asked me to go to tea with him, 
which invitation I accepted. While together, I told hun much 
of our plan. 

" Wednesday, 24th, I travelled a stony road to Redding, 
and according to directions, called on Esq. Benedict, but he 
was not at home ; so I got my horse and rode to Mr. Rogers', 
to consult him about the matter. While I was talking to him, 
Mr. Bartlett, a Congregational minister, came by, and being 
informed who I was, asked me home with him. After I had 
been there a while, he asked me some questions relative to 
doctrines, and I endeavored to inform him what kind of doc- 
trines we preached. He said he could not invite me into the 
meeting-house, because I held what he thought was contrary 
to the gospel. I told him I did not expect an invitation to 
preach in the meeting-house, but if I was asked, I should not 
refuse. However, Mr. Rogers sent his son down in a httle 
time to let me know that there was a school-house that I could 
preach in, so I made the appointment for the people at 6 
o'clock. Having met at that hour, I preached on Isa. 55 : 
6 : ^ Seek ye the Lord while he may be found,' &c. I bless 
God that I had some hberty in preaching. The old minister, 
at whose house I lodged, is a great advocate for dancing, al- 
though he does not practice it himself." 



52 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



It was at Redding tliat the second class formed by Lee in 
New England was organized before the end of the present 
year. Thence he rode to Danbiiry, and obtained permission 
to preach in the court-house, twice on the same day. From 
Danbury he went to Ridgefield, where he was permitted to 
preach in the town-house. He also visited Rockwell, in 
Wilton Parish, Canaan, Middlesex, Norwalk, Fairfield, and 
had some hope that the Lord owned the word preached at 
each of these places. 

On Friday, 3d July, he reached Stratfield, and found an- 
other Httle company of devout and congenial minds, whose 
sympathy cheered him in his solitary course. He says : — 
" I preached at Stratfield, at the house of Deacon Hawley. 
The house was filled with hearers. I had great satisfaction 
in preaching, and some of the people were melted into tears. 
I felt my soul transported with joy ; and it appeared to me 
that God was about to do great things for the neighborhood. 
There are about a dozen in the place that meet every week 
for the purpose of conversing on the subject of religion, and 
of spending some time in prayer. They desired me to meet 
with them in the evening, to which I consented. I spoke to 
them just as I would at one of our class-meetings, and it was a 
very comfortable time. The greater part of them kneeled 
down when we went to prayer ; a thing that I suppose some 
of them never did before in public. They all seemed ex- 
ceedingly pleased with the manner of the meeting ; several 
thanked me for my advice, and desired me to remember 
them in my prayers. The deacon's wife told me that some 
of them had an intention of joining us. I told her if they 
desired it I could not object, though I did not intend to per- 
suade them. I hope the Lord will direct, bless, and save 
them." 



LEE IN NEW ENGLAND. 



53 



The next day he was on his way to Stratford, the principal 
village of the town in which was formed, in less than a year 
from the present date, the first Methodist Society of his new 
circuit. Yet we find him approaching it with extreme mis- 
givings : 

" Saturday, 4th, I set ofi" about the middle of the day, 
and was much exercised about calling to preach at Stratford. 
Sometimes I seemed to have no faith ; but at other times had 
a little hope that good might be done. At last I determined 
to take up my cross and make the trial. So I went, put up 
at a tavern, and calling on the man that kept the key of the 
town-house, obtained his consent to preach in the house. 
But he said he did not know much about the Methodists ; 
they might be like the New Lights. I told him I did not 
know much about the latter, but some people said we favored 
them in our preaching. ' Well, (says he,) ' if you are like 
them, I would not wish to have any thing to do with you.' I 
let a man have my horse, to ride through town, and give the 
people notice of meeting. At sunset, they rung the church 
bell, and the people collected. The Congregationalists insist- 
ed on my going into the meeting-house, but I begged ofi" for 
that time. I had a large company in the town-house. I 
preached on Eph. 5 : 1 : ' Be ye therefore followers of God, 
as dear children.' I was much assisted in speaking ; I felt 
liappy in the Lord, and comforted to see the people so atten- 
tive. When I was done, Mr. Solomon Curtis came to me, 
asked me to go and lodge with him, and wished me to make 
it my home. Another said he would conduct me to the house, 
and taking me by the hand, he walked all the way by my 
side, I don't know that I have had so much kindness showed 
me in a new place since I came to the State." 

This hospitahty of Mr. Curtis was not, however, proof 
against his polemical predilections, as we shall see hereafter, 
5* 



54 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISLI. 



in a somewliat ludicrous example of his tenacity for Puritan- 
ical orthodoxy. 

On the following day he was again at New Haven. The 
State House bell was rung, and the people assembled there to 
hear him, but some uifluential citizens, having procured for 
him a Congregational chapel, induced him and his hearers to 
go into it. He proclaimed there his message from the text, 
" Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace." " In a 
little time," he says, " I felt the fire from above ; my heart 
was warmed, and drawn out in love to my hearers. I felt 
great liberty toward the last and some of the people dropped 
several silent tears, and the countenances of many showed 
that the word reached their hearts. I had two of the Con- 
gregational ministers to hear me ; Mr. Austin, the minister 
of the house, and Dr. Edwards, son of the former President 
of Princeton College. After meeting, I came out, and some 
told me they were much pleased with the discourse ; but no 
man asked me home with him. I went back to the tavern, 
retii^ed into a room, went to prayer, and felt the Lord prec- 
ious to my soul. I did believe the Lord had sent me there. 
If so, I was sure to find favor in the eyes of some of the 
people. In a httle time Mr. David Beacher came, asked 
me to go home with him, and said he would be willing to 
entertain me when I came to town again. I went home with 
him, and his wife was very kind ; but his wife is not a friend 
of Calvinism. After dark, a young woman got her work 
and set down to knitting ; I was, indeed, much astonished at 
this, it being Sunday evening, and spoke to her about it. 
They told me it was customary for the Congregationalists 
throughout the State, to commence the Sabbath on Saturday 
evenhig, and continue it mitil sunset on Sunday." 

On Wednesday, the 8th, he was once more in Redding, and 
met again Rev. Mr. Bartlett, the pugnacious Congregational- 



LEE IN NEW ENGLAND. 



55 



ist, who, with the spirit then, and still, to some extent, char- 
acteristic of New England, insisted upon vexatious questions 
of doctrines. " The minister," he writes, " and a few other 
people, came in, and wanted to enter into a conversation 
about principles, and inquired what kind of doctrines we 
held ; but I said little to them. At length the people re- 
quested the minister to give me leave to preach in the meet- 
ing-house ; but he said he was not wilhng, and should not give 
his consent ; but if the people chose it, he should not stop it. 
Then he asked me if I would be willing to take a text and 
preach my principles fully, for the people wanted to know 
them. I told liim I was not willing to do it at that time, and 
intimated to him that if I preached I would wish to preach 
on a subject that I thought would be most for the glory of 
God, and the good of the hearers ; and that I did not believe 
a sermon on principles would be for the glory of God, at that 
time. He then wanted to talk about Christian perfection, 
and said there was no perfection in this life. I made mention 
of a few texts of Scripture, which put him to a stand. The 
room was by that time quite full of people, and he asked me 
again, before them all, if I would preach upon my principles ? 
I looked upon it, that he asked me before so many, that he 
might have it to say that I refused to let my principles be 
known, because they were too bad to be heard ; so I told him, 
if I found freedom, I would on a future day appoint a time 
for the purpose, and preach fully on the subject. He observ- 
ed that some of the people would come to hear me out of 
curiosity. Here some were offended because I preached the 
possibility of being suddenly changed from a state of sin to a 
state of grace." 

On Wednesday, 29th July, he preached in Fairfield again. 
The next day he visited Dr. Dwight at his Seminary in Green- 
field. The Doctor treated him with cool politeness, evident- 



56 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

ly doubting the expediency of Ms mission. August 5, lie 
preached at Newfield, in the house of a hberal hearted dea- 
con, with much effect. He writes : — " There has been a 
great deal said against us since I was here last week. The 
people are much alarmed with a fear that I will break up the 
society. One of their ministers told the people in pubHc, 
that the Methodists held damnable principles^ &c. All their 
fears of the large society being broken up proceed from no 
other circumstance than this : — two women talk of joming 
our society, but they are unable to tell when. Surely, if 
these people knew that God was on their side, they would 
not fear so much. 

" Thursday, 6th, I went to Mr. Well's, and a Calvinist 
came to converse with me for a while ; after talking over 
our different sentiments, we joined in prayer, and parted. 
Then I rode to Redding, about sixteen or seventeen miles. 
I have seldom travelled so bad a road on dry ground as that 
was. The day was uncommonly warm ; sometimes I could 
hardly bear the steam that arose from my horse ; and, poor 
creature, he sweated till my great coat, four double, and 
my saddle bags, were wet through. When I got to Mr. 
Sanford's I felt very weary, but had only a httle time to rest. 
In a few minutes I walked to Mr. Rogers', and preached to 
a large number of people, within and without doors. The 
people in this place can bear to hear any vice spoken against, 
except dancing. 

" Thursday, 13th, we rode to Fairfield, at an hour by sun. 
I preached on Proverbs 23 : 13 : 'He that covereth his sins 
shall not prosper ; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them, 
shall have mercy.' I had some satisfaction in speaking to 
the people, and they were attentive to the word. But some 
of the inhabitants seemed to be afraid to hear, because the 
minister did not like my coming amongst them. Even the 



LEE IN NEW ENGLAND. 



57 



tavern keeper and Ms wife, were I always put up, made an 
excuse to leave home before I came ; and the reason, I un- 
derstood, was because the minister complained of them for 
entertaining me." 

These ludicrous instances of sectarian shyness, so charac- 
teristic of the period, were of frequent occurrence, but he 
braved them with stout determination. He met with a repe- 
tition of them the next day, at Stratfield. " At 4 o'clock," 
he writes, " I preached on 1 Peter, 3 : 12 : ' For the eyes 
of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open to 
their prayers.' I felt an humbling sense of the goodness of 
God while I was speaking. Some of the people heard with 
watery eyes. I hope God will soon revive his work in this 
place, for the devil begins to roar. After meeting I observ- 
ed that some of the people that always came and spoke to 
me, went away and took no notice of me ; and no person 
gave me an invitation to his house, which was an uncommon 
thing, for formerly I had various invitations. But I under- 
stood that they had been buffeted by the ministers from the 
pulpit, and by their acquaintance in private, till they hardly 
knew what to do. One minister had been trying for two or 
three times, in his sermons, to prove that a man could not 
fall from grace ; and another turned loose upon us, and said, 
from the pulpit, there were six hundred of us, going about 
the country, preaching damnable doctrines, and picking men's 
pockets. One of the deacons of the meeting did not like it ; 
he advertised the minister in the public paper, and informed 
the public how he persecuted us. This noise is not without 
a cause. I hardly ever knew much persecution were the 
people were at ease in Zion. 

" Sunday, 16th, we rode to Milford, and preached in the 
town-house, and endeavored to show the necessity of a prep- 
aration to meet God. The house was crowded with people, 



58 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



and some of them appeared to be persons of note ; they 
were very attentive to what was spoken and tears stole down 
from several eyes, while solemnity sat upon their countenan- 
ces. I felt great liberty in telling the people what it was to 
be prepared to meet God, and the comfortable consequence 
of such a preparation. I hope my labors will not be in vain 
in the Lord at this place. When I was done, I came through 
the crowd, mounted my horse and set off, without having any 
invitation to call at any man's house. This is the third time 
I have preached at this place ^ and have not yet heeome ac- 
quainted with any person. If I can but be useful, I am 
willing to remain unknown among men. We then rode to Mr. 
Gilbert's, hi New Haven. He and his wife appear to be 
God-fearing people." 

This last example was certauily less offensive than the pre- 
ceding cases, but could scarcely have occurred among any 
other Christian people than the excellent but frigid New Eng- 
land Calvinists of that day. Such treatment, chiUing as it 
was, could not, however, damp the ardor of the noble evan- 
gelist. — The next day he exclaims,"! bless God that he 
keeps my spirits up under all my discouragements. If the 
Lord did not comfort me in hoping against hope, or believing 
against appearances, I should depart from the work in this 
part of the world ; but I still wait to see the salvation of the 
Lord." 

Having spent about three months in Connecticut, and sur- 
veyed the ground for an extensive circuit,* to be occupied 
by assistants whom he hoped would come from the South to 
his aid, he departed on another exploring tour, which was at- 
tended with more agreeable auspices. 

* This first Methodist circuit in New England included Norwalk, Fairfield, Stratford, 
Milford, Reading, Danbury, Canaan, with some intermediate villages. 



LEE IN NEW ENGLAND. 



59 



" Monday, 31st," [August,] he writes, " I set out on a 
tour for Rhode Island State, and it was my fervent prayer 
to God, that if my undertaking was not according to his will, 
the houses of the people might be shut against me ; but 
if my journey was right, that God would open the houses and 
hearts of the people to receive me at my coming." 

God did open both the hearts and the houses of the people 
for him. He left New Haven after dinner, and had got but 
a httle way from town before he fell in with a gentleman who 
was riding nine or ten miles on his way. He appeared to 
be a religious man, and encouraged Lee to go on to Guilford, 
and call on Lieutenant Hopson. He did so. Mr. Hopson 
met him at the gate, and as soon as he dismounted, said to 
him, I hope you are a brother in Christ." I told him," 
writes Mr. Lee, " who I was, what I was, and whither I was go- 
ing. It was then about sunset ; but he sent word to his 
neighbors, and soon collected a room full of people, to whom 
I preached. I felt my soul ahve to God among these strang- 
ers, and some of them wept freely. Of a truth I perceive 
God is no respecter of persons. I found some hvely Christ- 
ians in Guilford, of the Baptist persuasion, and could bless 
God that I came amongst them." 

He passed on rapidly, preaching and making appointments 
at Killings worth, Saybrook, and Lyme, and on the third day 
of his tour entered Noav London, and " put up " at the house 
of Jonathan Brooks. " I told him," says Mr. Lee, " who I 
was and that I had a desire to preach in the city at night. 
He immediately sent word among the people, and at night 
they collected at the State House. My heart was much 
drawn out to God while I was declaring the necessity of the 
new birth. Deep solemnity rested upon the audience, and 
some of the dear hearers wept greatly. I felt as if I Avas 
among the faithful followers of the Lord Jesus. My cry 



60 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

■vvas, surely God is in this place. I had a large company of 
people of different ranks and professions. Every thing 
seems to prove that my journey is of God. 0, Lord, never 
let me blush to own thy name ! " 

He was away, again, the next day, for Rhode Island. " I 
passed," he says, " through Stonington, and crossed Pawtuc- 
ket, into Rhode Island State, and went to Mr. Stanton's, who 
kept the coffee house in Charleston, Washington County. He 
was not at home, but his wife being a religious woman, I enter- 
ed into conversation with her, and soon informed her that my 
business in coming was to preach to the people. So she sent 
word to her neighbors, and gathered a large room full, to 
whom I preached on Rev. 3 : 20 : ' Behold, I stand at the 
door, and knock,' &c. I felt some hberty in speaking to 
them, and some were melted into tears under the word." 

Having spent, since he left New Haven, about a week in 
sounding the alarm through these regions, and in opening the 
way for future laborers, he returned to the first scene of his 
labors in Connecticut. He thus records his feehngs on con- 
cluding his excursion in Rhode Island : 

" Monday, 7th Sept. I have found great assistance from 
the Lord, of late. Sometimes I have had no doubt but that 
the word was owned and blessed of the Lord. To-day I have 
preached four times, and felt better at the conclusion of my 
labor than I did when I first arose in the morning. I have 
found a great many Baptists in this part of the country, who 
are lively in religion. They are mostly different from those 
I have formerly been acquainted with ; for these will let men 
of all persuasions commune with them, if they beheve they 
are in favor with the Lord. I think the way is now open for 
our preachers to visit this part of the land. It is the wish 
of many that I should stay, and they beg that I would return 
again as soon as possible, although they never saw a Method- 



LEE IN NEW ENGLAND. * 61 



ist before. I am the first preacher of our way that has 
ever visited this part of the country." 

On Wednesday, 16th, he was again proclaiming his mes- 
sage at Redding, on his Connecticut circuit, from the words, 
" Prepare to meet thy God, 0 Israel." He spoke with 
power and assurance, and ventured to attack the prevalent 
theology, " bearing," as he says, " a solemn testimony 
against the doctrine which so generally prevails in this part 
of the world, which, in substance, is this : ' The sinner 
must repent, and he can't repent ; and he will go to hell if 
he don't repent : ' or, as a lawyer expressed it in my hear- 
ing, ' you must beheve or be damned ; and you can't believe 
if you are to be damned.' " 

On Friday, the 25th, he preached at Stratfield. After 
the sermon, he conducted " a kind of class-meeting com- 
posed of about twenty persons. It was the first class-meet- 
ing held on the circuit, and led to the formation, the next 
day, of the First Glass, composed of three women, who, he 
says, " appeared willing to bear the cross, and have their 
names cast out as evil, for the Lord's sake." * The women 
that ministered to Christ were " last at the cross and first at 
the sepulchre." Let it ever be remembered that the first 
organic form of Methodism in New England, under the labors 
of Lee, consisted exclusively of devoted women. ■ Their sex 



* This has been supposed to be the first Methodist class formed in Connecticut, (seo 
Bangs' History of Methodism, Anno 1789.) There were, however, before Lee's visit to N. 
England, small classes at Stomford and Sharon (letter of Rev. Aaron Hunt, to the writer.) 
They were connected with circuits in New York. " But it should be understood," writes 
our informant " that those classes, or parts of classes, though in the borders of Connecticut 
were by no means considered New England Societies. They were parts of societies which 
existed within New York. It might be said that because Black and Garrottson passed 
through parts of New England and preached in them, therefore Lcc was not the pioneer of 
Methodism in this country : but the fact is, that not till tlie day of Lee did we enter that 
jfield to cultivate it." Lee really laid the foundations of Methodism in New Enghind and 
the classes at Stratfield and E,edding were the first in the series of societies which sprang 
from his labors. 

6 



62 MEMOKIALS OF METHODISM. 

have ever since worthily sustained in the church this first and 
peculiar honor. Among the Romans, senators and empe- 
rors were often the supreme pontiffs of religion, but conse- 
crated women — the vestal virgins — kept aHve the undying 
fire. 

Since his arrival in New England, three months of inces- 
sant labors and vexatious rebuffs had passed, and but three 
women were organized into the new church which was " to 
spread Scriptural holiness over the land ! " "A Quixotic 
project, surely ! " Not so thought the unwearied evangeUst. 
He had the faith which is the evidence of things not seen, 
and before its hopeful vision all these hills and valhes stood 
forth white unto the harvest. He gave thanks, mounted his 
horse, the only companion of his laborious travels, and went 
forth to new trials and greater achievements. 

He soon after met with another example of the characteris- 
tic tenacity for theological opinions which we have already sev- 
eral times witnessed, and instances of which were almost daily 
incidents of his journeys. We have seen that he was enter- 
tained very hospitably by a Mr. C , at Stratford. On 

his present visit to that place, he met the following reception : 
— " When I went in, his wife did not ask me to sit down ; 
however, I took a seat. In a little time, she asked me to 
drink tea, but I had no need. Her husband came in and 
spoke to me, but did not appear so friendly as formerly. At 
dark, I asked Mrs. 0. if her husband was going to meeting. 
She said ' she guessed not ; ' so I went to the town-house alone, 
and was hard put to it to get a candle, but I bless God, I felt 
quite resigned, and not ashamed to own my Lord. After 
preaching, I returned to Mr. C.'s, and found he had but lit 
tie to say. He went to prayer without saying any thing 
to me, and then I waited to see if he would ask me to go to 
bed. After some time he got up and asked me to cover up 



LEE IN NEW ENGLAND. 



63 



the fire when I went to bed. I told him I would go to bed 
then, if it were agreeable. I suppose the whole complaint 
was owing to my telling him, when I was there before, that I 
behoved a man, after being converted, might fall away and 
be lost ; for he is a stiff antinomian. The next morning he 
lay in bed till late, and soon after he arose, I set out, without 
family prayer or breakfast. I often wonder that I am not 
turned out of doors." 

The influence of the clergy and deacons in the several 
parishes which composed his circuit, was used most strenuous- 
ly to disalfect the people against him. At his next appoint- 
ment, Greenwich, the prejudice thus excited was so general 
that he deemed it expedient to desist from further visits to it. 
There were about forty-five clergymen within the range of his 
circuit, most of whom seem to have been thoroughly alarmed at 
the sohtary stranger. " Poor priests ! " he writes, " they seem 
like frightened sheep when I come near them, and the gen- 
eral cry is, ' the societies will be broken up.' " Accustomed 
as they had been to consider themselves the legalized church 
of the land, they were astonished at his bold intrusion, and 
the standard of experimental religion was too low to admit 
of an appreciation of his message. The next insertion in his 
journal refers to the same obstacle, attended, however, by a 
different result. 

" Friday, 28d Oct. At David Olds', in Weston, I preach- 
ed to a large congregation ; the house was much crowded, 
though it was very large. I suppose the reason why I had 
so many to hear me was owing to their ministers preaching 
against me two Sabbaths in succession. The people heard 
me with great attention, and many tears were shed. I had 
reason to praise God, that I felt my soul happy in his love. 
I generally find, in this State, that when I am most opposed, 
I have the most hearers. The Lord seems to bring good out 



64 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



of evil. If mj sufferings will tend to the furtherance of the 
gospel, I think I feel wilhng to suffer ; but if I had no confi- 
dence in Grod, and as many as at present to oppose me, I 
believe I should soon leave these parts. But once in a while 
I meet with something to encourage me, and by means of 
the grace of God I stand." 

The persistent patience with which he almost daily brooked 
the peculiar and chilling rebuffs we have described, may well 
excite our admiration, but, in contrast with this hardihood of 
purpose, his journals abound in affecting expressions of thank- 
fulness for the occasional indications of kindness he met, 
however humble they might be. After preaching at Fairfield, 
on a cold, wintry night, Dec. 24, he exclaimed; — • " To-night, 
thanks be to God, I was invited by a widow woman to put 
up at her house. This is the first invitation I have had since 
I first came to the place, which is between six and seven 
months. 0 my Lord, send more laborers into this part of 
thy vineyard. I love to break up new ground, and hunt the 
lost souls in New England, though it is hard work ; but when 
Christ is with me, hard things are made easy, and rough 
ways made smooth." 

IMonday, the 28th of December, though in these prosper- 
ous times it may appear a " day of small things," was an- 
other signal day in the history of his mission — the date of 
the second society formed by hun in the State. " I preach- 
ed," he writes, " in Redding, and found great assistance from 
the Lord in speaking. I felt that God was among the peo- 
ple. One or two kneeled down with me when we prayed. 
The lion begins to roar very loud, in this place, a sure sign 
that he is about to lose some of his subjects. I joined two in 
Bociety, for a beginning. A man who has lately received a 
ivitness of his being in favor with the Lord, led the way ; and 
a woman, who, I hope, was lately converted, folloivedy 



LEE IN NEW ENGLAND. 



65 



The venerable historian of Methodism informs us that the 
former was Mr. Aaron Sandford, who afterwards became a 
local preacher, and continues such to this day, having hved 
to see his children, and many of his grand-children, members 
of the church, with a large and influential society gathered 
around him. He has a son, a son-in-law, and a grand-son, in 
the ministry.* 

About seven months of indefatigable toil had passed, and 
but two classes, with an aggregate of five members, were 
formed. Quixotic ! would the cool calculator again exclaim, 
reasoning from sight, and not by faith ; but, " Glory be to 
God ! " writes the laborious preacher of Methodism, on form- 
ing this class of two members, " Glory be to God, that I now 
begin to see some fruit of my labor in this barren part of the 
world.'' And he departed on his way to other toils, exclaim- 
ing again, " Glory be to God that he ever called me to work 
in his vineyard, and sent me to seek and to feed the sheep of 
his fold in New England. Sometimes I feel my heart so 
much drawn out in warm desires for the people, that I forget 
my dear friends and relations ; and if it were not for the duty 
I owe my parents, and the great desire they have to see me, 
I think I could live and die in this part of the world. The 
Lord only knows the difficulties I have had to wade through, 
yet his grace is sufficient for me ; when I pass through the 
fire and water, he is with me ; and rough ways are smooth, 
when Jesus bears me in his arms." 

Fanaticism could never have thus sustained him, amidst 
such peculiar trials. It would have chilled and expired for 
lack of inspiration. He was supported by the consciousness 
that Methodism was needed in New England, and would, 
therefore, sooner or later, be divinely prospered, and by re- 



* Bangs' History of Methodism, vol. 1, book 3, chap. 2 

6* 



66 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



markable communications of grace and consolation from on 
Jbigh, such as he describes, amidst the inclemencies of a bleak, 
wintry day, about this time. " I sat out," he writes, " and 
my soul was transported with joy ; the snow falling, the wind 
blowing, prayer ascending, faith increasing, grace descend- 
ing, heaven smihng, and love abounding." 

On the 28th of January, 1790, he formed the third class 
organized on the circuit. " I preached," he says, " at Jacob 
Wheeler's, in Limestone, and, after meeting, formed a class, 
two men and two women. Perhaps these may be like the 
leaven hid in three measures of meal, that may leaven the 
whole neighborhood, and many may be brought to say, I will 
go with this people, because we have heard that God is with 
them." 

He continued his untiring labors, journeying and preaching 
daily, without the aid or sympathy of a single colleague, un- 
til the 27th of February, 1790, when he received, at Dan- 
town, the unexpected and joyful intelhgence that three 
preachers were on their way to join him. After the preced 
ing review of his solitary labors and struggles, we can appre- 
ciate the simple but touching description of their arrival, 
which he recorded at the time : — " Just before the time of 
meeting, a friend informed me that there were three preach- 
ers coming from a distance to labor with me in New England. 
I was greatly pleased at the report, and my heart seemed to 
reply, ' blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.' 
"When I saw them riding up, I stood and looked at them, and 
could say from my heart, ' thou hast well done, that thou art 
come.' Brother Jacob Brush, an elder, and George Roberts 
and Daniel Smith, two young preachers, came from Mary- 
land, to assist me in this part of the world. No one knows, 
but God and myself, what comfort and joy I felt at their ar- 



LEE IN NEW ENGLAND. 



6T 



rival. Surely, the Lord lias had respect unto my prayers, 
and granted my request." 

He was holding a Quarterly Meeting, in a partly finished 
church, the second Methodist one erected in New England, 
at the time of the arrival of these brethren at Dantown. 
Mutually comforted and enHvened by the interview, they en- 
tered with renewed zeal upon their labors, and during the 
services the next day, (Sabbath,) " the power of the Lord," 
says the historian of Methodism, " was so manifested that 
many cried aloud for mercy ; a thing so unusual in that part 
of the country that some were very much alarmed, and fled 
from the house in consternation ; and others who were in the 
gallery, jumped out on the ground. In the midst, however, 
of the confusion occasioned by these movements, those who 
had an experience of divine things rejoiced with exceeding 
great joy."* 



* Bangs' History of Methodism, Anno 1790. 



CHAPTER IV. 



LEE AND HIS CO-LABORERS IN NEW 
ENGLAND. 

The first New England Methodist Ministry — Jacob Brush — Sketch of his History — 
His Death — Daniel Smith — His Character — Description of his Preaching — Fare- 
well Sermon at Lynn — Dr. George Roberts — Outline of his History — Anecdotes — 
His Character — Triumphant Death. 

"We have traced the labors of Lee in New England, down 
to the arrival of his first co-laborers. Let us now direct our 
eje upon the small but heroic phalanx in their new field. 

Jesse Lee, Jacob Brush, George Roberts, and Daniel 
Smith, memorable names in the records of the church, were, 
then, in the spring of 1790, the Methodist ministry of New 
England. There were more preachers than classes and 
scarcely more than two members to each preacher ; but they 
looked and labored for the future, and we and our children 
now testify to the wisdom of their hopes. 

The first of this little band of heroic evangehsts has been 
fuUy introduced to the reader. "We regret that our informar 
tion respecting the others is limited to few and slight sources. 

Jacob Brush was an Elder when he came to New Eng- 
land — the only one among the N. E. preachers. Messrs. 
Bmith and Roberts were yet young men, and Mr. Lee, from 



LEE IN NEW ENGLAND. 



69 



diffidence of himself, had hitherto refused ordination. Mr. 
Brush was a native of Long Island. He entered the itiner 
ancy in 1783, and was appointed to the Trenton (N. J.) 
circuit.* The ensuing four years he labored extensively in 
New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. Leaving the Dover 
and Duck Creek circuit, (Del.,) in the spring of 1790, to 
visit and assist the laborious Lee, he continued in Connecti- 
cut till the New York Conference of October, 1790, when he 
was appointed to the New Rochelle circuit, where he travelled 
also the following year, till about the middle of July. He 
then took charge of a District which included Long Island, 
other portions of New York, and the State of Connecticut as 
far East as the Connecticut Kiver, and as far North as the 
city of Hartford, sharing with Lee (who was Presiding Elder, 
the same year, of Boston District) the entire Presiding Elder- 
ship of New England. His labors in New England, while 
Presiding Elder, were Hmited to one year's superintendence 
of this large District. His District the following year was 
wholly in the State of New York. He was subsequently a 
supernumerary in New York city, till his death, in 1795. 
He was " an active man of God," say the old Minutes, " a 
great friend to order and union." Notwithstanding a chronic 
inflammation of the throat, which interfered with his useful- 
ness, he exerted himself much in his labors. His illness 
was very severe, and his last hours attended by stupor and 
loss of speech. A ministerial brother, taking him by the 
hand, inquired if he still enjoyed the peace of God ; not be- 
ing able to speak, he affectionately pressed the hand of his 
friend, with an expression on his countenance of calm resigna- 
tion to God. We entertain no doubt," say his fellow labor- 
ers, who knew and loved him well, " that he rests in Abra- 
ham's bosom." f 



* Minutes, 1785. f Ibid, 1796. 



70 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



Daniel Smith was born in PhiladelpMa, February 4th, 
1769, and entered the ministry when he was about nineteen 
years of age.* He is reported in the Minutes of 1790 as 
continued on trial, but we cannot trace his position, either as 
it respects his relation to the Conference or his field of labor, 
the preceding year. 

" In that early day," says one who knew him, " just succeed- 
ing the turmoils of the war, after the Revolution, few Theologi- 
cal Seminaries, and indeed hardly any other Seminaries of 
learning were to be found in the country, and it required great 
personal effort for a young minister to acquire so much infor- 
mation as to appear with even tolerable respectability before an 
audience. This effort on his part was not wanting. The field 
then was the world, for we find him laboring within a very 
short period of time at Charleston, S. C, and at Lynn, Mass., 
thus making a journey of more than a thousand miles, and that, 
too, when the comfort of rail-road and steam-boat travelHng 
was not dreamed of, and there were few or no stage-coaches. 
And in one of these travels he suffered shipwreck and came 
near losing his life, on the Ocracock bar, off the coast of 
North CaroHna. But a gracious Providence preserved him."f 

In 1791, he was admitted into full connection by the Con- 
ference, and appointed, with John Bloodgood, to Lynn, Mass. 
In 1792, he was ordained an elder, and returned to the 
South, where he continued to labor until 1794, when he is 
reported, in the Minutes, among those " who are under a loca- 
tion, through weakness of body, or family concerns." We 
trace him no farther in the annual records of the Minutes. J 
He was signally useful while in New England. An excel- 
lent judge, who was accustomed to hear him, places him 



* Rich. Chrig. Advocate, Jan. 1847. f Ibid. 

% Except, we believe, a single instance, the deaths of located preachers are not reported 
in the Minutes. 



LEE IN NEW ENGLAND. 



71 



with Jesse and John Lee, "in the first rank" of the early 
Methodist ministry.* His address in the pulpit was not adapt- 
ed to excite violent emotion, but to conciUate, persuade, and 
soothe. The venerable Thomas Ware, himself a pioneer of 
Methodism in Western New England, records a remark of 
Asbury, that " Daniel Smith had a faster hold on the affec- 
tions of the Eastern people, than any other preacher who had 
ever been sent among them." Ware pronounces him among 
the " eminent men" " whose memory was precious to many 
who had profitted by their ministry, and who were spoken of 
in terms of great respect and tenderness." f Placing him by 
the side of the eloquent Hope Hull, who came to the East the 
next year, he says that " scarcely could two other men have 
been found, so well suited to second the efforts of Mr. Lee, in 
the Eastern States." 

" He was," says Rev. Enoch Mudge, " a man of a hum- 
ble, sweet spirit, and a very good and useful preacher. No 
one of his time was more beloved. He always spoke feeling- 
ly, for the obvious reason that he always lived under a deep, 
feeHng sense of the presence of God, and of the importance 
of personal rehgion. The people of Lynn, Boston, and 
vicinity, who knew him, were ardently attached to him. It 
was a day of weeping with us when he left Lynn. He gave 
an afternoon lecture in the newly erected and unfinished 
meeting-house, and then left, to lecture at Maiden in the 
evening. 

" In his last address at the former place, fearing, as he 
said, that he had not presented all the truth as he ought to 
have done, and that there might be some present whom he 
had not warned of their danger, who might cry peace when 

* Letter of Rev. Enoch Mudge, to the Wrtter, 
f Memoirs of Rav. T. Ware, Chap. viii. 



72 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

there was no peace, he felt it his duty, however repugnant to 
his feelings, to address them from Rev. 14 : 10, 11 : ' The 
same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is 
poured out without mixtui^e into the cup of his indignation ; 
and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone, in the 
presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lord. 
And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and 
ever ; and they have no rest, day nor night, who worship 
the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the marks 
of his name.' The terrors of the Lord were so mingled with 
tears and tender feelings, that it forcibly reminded me of 
Christ's pathetic and moving address over Jerusalem. With 
him, there were no efforts at great sermons ; his one all-ab- 
sorbing purpose was to win souls to Christ. 

" The general tenor of his preaching was experimental, 
winning, and affecting. He often was deeply affected with 
his own subjects, and with tears entreated sinners to be rec- 
onciled to God. I remember to have heard him preach from 
the text in Jer. 8 : 22 : 'Is there no balm in Gilead ? Is 
there no physician there ? Why then is not the daughter of 
my people healed ? ' The heart must have been as adamant, 
that did not melt and relent under that sermon. 

" It was under his preaching that my brother, John Mudge, 
was brought into the liberty of the gospel. His text that 
evening was, 2 Cor., 13 : 5 ; ' Examine yourselves whether 
ye be in the faith,' &c. This was a memorable time. There 
was joy on earth and in heaven. I have joy in thinking of 
it now. JNIr. Smith's name is found among the most useful 
of the local preachers in New York, for years." * 

On returning from the East, Mr. Smith was stationed by 
Bishop Asbury in the city of New York, then one of the 



* Letters to the Writer. 



LEE IN NEW ENGLAND. 



73 



most important stations and the oldest in the United States. 
He now apphed himself to the study of the Hebrew tongue, 
under the late Dr. Kunze. His able colleagues were Rev. 
Thomas Morrell, Kev. Thomas Sargeant, and Rev. George 
Roberts. Here it was also that he was united in marriage, 
in the year 1794, to Hester, the daughter of the late Abra- 
ham Russel, one of the oldest and most respected members 
of the M. E. Church, and for many years a representative 
of the city in the Legislature of the State. This marriage 
was most auspicious ; and of the unostentatious piety, great 
intelUgence and many virtues of his affectionate consort, a 
volume might be written. Mr. Smith, having now located, 
superadded to his ministerial labors the responsible duties of 
a citizen. It would not be doing justice to the character 
thus feebly delineated, were not his sterling patriotism to be 
adverted to. Born and nurtured during the stirring scenes 
of the Revolution, nothing that affected the good of his coun- 
try or her institutions was matter of indifference to him. He 
was often called upon to express his opinions on questions of a 
public nature, and did not hesitate, on all proper occasions, 
to do so. It is known, too, that the partiality of his fellow cit- 
izens would have conferred on him Congressional honors had 
he consented to accept them. With powers of mind of no 
common order, strengthened and enriched by constant use 
and industry, Mr. Smith continued to minister with great ac- 
ceptance to large congregations in the city of New York, to 
the end of his life ; he died on the 23d of October, 1815. 
His last sermon, preached in John street, about a fortnight 
before, was on the " Worth of the soul ; " his discourse from 
the text, " For what is a man profited if he shall gain the 
whole world and lose his own soul, or what shall a man give 
in exchange for his soul." — Matt. 16 : 26.* 

* Richmond Christian Advocate, Jan, 1847. 

7 

i 



74 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

Thomas Ware, often speaking of Lee and Hope Hull in 
strong terms, remarks as follows of Smith and his co-laborer, 
Roberts : " There were others no less beloved and accredit- 
ed than thev; two of these, viz., Daniel Smith and George 
Roberts, were spoken of as richly imbued with grace and 
gifts. For it was said of the most learned men in these 
parts that none could extemporise with either of these unas- 
summg Methodist itinerants ; and all men have a predilec- 
tion for sermons preached, rather than read. And when 
these people, who had seldom heard a sermon delivered with- 
out notes, found a man who could readily preach without a 
book, he became an object of their admiration. Smith and 
Roberts could command the attention and respect of any in- 
telligent and sober audience, and frequently theu' admii^ation 
and love. The truth that had made them free, and that God 
who had commissioned them to preach w4th a power which 
sinners could not resist, silenced all the objections raised 
against them on the charge of incompetency by the one class, 
and lack of Episcopal ordination by another. The hearts 
and doors of many were open to them, and having through 
their iustrumentahty been made to know the blessedness of 
behevmg, they were received as the accredited messengei^s 
of Heaven, and for them was felt a tie of affection stronger 
than the ties of blood." * 

As usual in those days, he located, for the support of his 
family, but continued, as we have seen, to preach laboriously 
till his death. He prospered m business and became wealthy. 
Dr. Bangs' says, " I knew him well m his located state. He 
died of the cholera morbus in 1815. He was a very able 
preacher and died in peace." f His old friend and fellow la- 



* Letter quoted in the Richmond Christian Advocate, Jan. 1847. 
j Letter to the Writer. 



LEE IN NEW ENGLAND. 



75 



borer. Ware, wlio was stationed in New York at the time, 
preaclied his funeral sermon. One who heard it sajs, " most 
touching was it to witness his emotion on that memorable oc- 
casion. The distance of more than thirty years in the dim 
past, seeming but as yesterday to the mind's eye of the wri- 
ter, who was present and witnessed it. He wept for him, hke 
Jonathan and David, because he loved him as he loved his 
own soul.* 

Dr. George Roberts' name is " like ointment poured 
forth," in the church ; yet few records remain of his long 
and devoted life. He left not among his papers six lines res- 
pecting himself. Of his birth and parentage we know noth- 
ing definitely, as his relatives, distant or near, except his de- 
scendants, have long since passed away.f It is supposed that 
he was a native of Easton, Talbot county, Eastern shore of 
Maryland. It is possible, however, that he was born in Eng- 
land, and brought by his parents to this country in his infan- 
cy. After laboring for some time, with extensive usefulness, 
as an exhorter and local preacher, in Talbot and adjacent 
counties, he joined the travelhng ministry, in 1790. His first 
appointment was on Annamessex circuit, Md., but he left it 
the same year, as we have seen, to accompany Daniel Smith 
to New England, where he continued until the autumn of 
1796, laboring most indefatigably on Stratford circuit in 1790 
and Middlefields and Hartford circuits during the years 1791 
and 1792, and the following four years on extensive Dis- 
tricts, as a Presiding Elder. His first District (1793-4) 
was the only one, at the time, in Connecticut, if we except 
a comparatively small tangent, reaching to one or two ap- 

* Richmond Christian Advocate, Jan. 1847. 

t Letter of his son, Dr.'George C. W. Robertg, of Baltimore, to the Writer. 



76 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

pointments, from a District which lay chiefly in the State of 
New York, and was travelled that year by Thomas "Ware. 
His next scene of labor (1794-5) was a vast District, com- 
prising nearly the whole State of Connecticut, and extending 
into Rhode Island, on the East, and to Vermont on the 
North. His District in 1795-6 lay mostly in the State of 
New York, but extended into Connecticut, and included the 
Redding circuit. This year terminated his labors in New 
England. His subsequent appointments were respectively 
in the city of New York, (where he continued three years,) 
Annapolis, Md., Baltimore, (two years,) Philadelphia, (two 
years,) Baltimore again, during two years, after which he 
located (1806) in the latter city, where he continued, we be- 
lieve, to his death, in the practice of medicine, an eminently 
devoted, influential, and useful Christian and local preacher. 
Such were the labors and vicissitudes of this faithful ambas- 
sador of the Lord Jesus. He was especially useful in New 
England, by his diligence in organizing and disciplining soci- 
eties. While his labors were thus onerous, he also shared ful- 
ly with Lee and his other coadjutors in the privations and 
sufferings incident to their new field. " I once heard him 
say," writes his son, " that during the whole period of his 
labors in New England he never received over $40 per an- 
num, from any source, circuits and conference dividends to- 
gether. He never had more than one suit of clothes at once. 
I still have in my possession the thread and needle case which 
he used in mending his garments, with his own hands, in the 
woods, or behind a rock. On one occasion, Bishop Asbury 
punched his saddlebags with his cane, and said, * Br. Roberts, 
where are your clothes ? ' His reply was, ' On my back, sir. 
I am ready to go whenever and wherever you please to di- 
rect, without returning to any appointment to gather up my 



LEE IN NEW ENGLAND. 



77 



garments.' He accompanied the Bishop, piloting him through 
New England, in his first visit to that portion of our country. 
Often has he entertained me with relations of the many feats 
and numerous obstacles of his New England mission.'^ 

The person of Dr. Roberts was large and athletic, his man- 
ners exceedingly dignified, and, in social life, reheved by a 
subdued cheerfulness. To this dignity of manner, which 
well befitted his noble person, was added, in the pulpit, a 
most impressive and powerful persuasion. His sermons were 
systematic and digested, and in their application often over- 
whelming. Wherever he went, his presence at once com- 
manded respect. The infidel and the scorner grew serious, 
or shrunk from before him, in either the public congregar 
tion or the conversational circle. A reckless skeptic once 
attempted, with the air of a champion, to engage him in a 
difficult discussion, in presence of a company of friends. Mr. 
Roberts heard him several minutes, without uttering a word, 
but as the bold gainsayer advanced in his scornful criticisms, 
the listening preacher's countenance and whole bearing as- 
sumed an expression of solemn scrutiny and dignity, which 
struck the bystanders with awe and made the skeptic quail. 
When he had concluded, Roberts placed his hand on the in- 
fidel's breast and with a look of resistless poAver exclaimed, 
" Sir, the conscience which God has placed within you re- 
futes and confounds you." The rebuked scoffer trembled and 
fled from his presence. The fact illustrates, better than 
could pages of remark, the character of this mighty man of 
God. 

He was not destitute of wit, on befitting occasions, and 
when used satirically, it had redoubled pungency from its con- 
trast with his generally serious character. " He was a pow- 
erful and very successful preacher," writes a living veteran 
of the ministry. While he travelled in Connecticut, the Rev. 
7* 



78 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



Dr. Williams, of Tolland, and Rev. Mr. Huntington, of Cov- 
entry, unitedly published a work against the new sect, in 
which they charged Bishop Asbury with duphcity, and many 
other equally unchristian traits. Dr. Roberts replied to them 
in a pamphlet of peculiar force. " I still recollect," says 
our last mentioned correspondent, " some of his severe sal- 
lies. He was a man of much native wit and of a ready tact 
at satire, when he had occasion for it." * He wrote, also, 
while in New England, a pamphlet on the Calvinistic contro- 
versy, which produced an impression on the opinions of the 
period. 

His location was rendered necessary by the magnitude of 
his family, and was a matter of profound regret to him. He 
continued, however, to labor zealously in the local ministry, 
till his death. And what a spectacle did liis end present ! 
a scene of extreme physical anguish, of mental vigor coming 
forth with renovated power from successive shocks of dissolu- 
tion, and of spiritual triumph never, perhaps, surpassed in the 
history of man. 

" His last hours," writes his son," " were eminently tri- 
umphant, though eminently painful, physically. For twenty- 
four hours prior to his death, he had a most violent convul- 
sion every ten minutes, by the watch ; and for twenty-four 
hours preceding the last day, he had them every half hour. 
Strange as it may seem, it is nevertheless true, that he came 
out of each with liis intellect apparently more vigorous than 
when it seized him. Durmg the intervals, he shouted aloud, 
almost every moment, the praises of redeeming grace. This 
fact was the more striking, from the consideration of his nev- 
er having been known to exult much during his previous life. 
He was distmguished by the evenness and quiet of his tem- 



* Letter from Rev. Asa Kent to the Writer. 



LEE IN NEW ENGLAND. 



79 



per and frame. A night or two previous to his dissolution I 
urged him to spare himself, and offered as a reason for it, the 
possibility of his disturbing the neighbors. He immediately 
replied, " Be quiet ? my son : be quiet ? my son ! No, no ! 
If I had the voice of an angel, I would rouse the inhabitants 
of Baltimore, for the purpose of telling the joys of redeem- 
ing love. Victory ! Victory ! Victory I through the blood 
of the Lamb ! ' ' Victory through the blood of the Lamb 1 ' 
was the last sentence that trembled on his dying lips." 

Such were Jesse Lee's colleagues, in the spring of 1790. 
We have seen his joy as he " saw them riding up " at 
Dantown, and welcomed them with the benediction, Bless- 
ed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord ! " Scarcely 
had they arrived, when he commenced new journeys and lar 
bors. We will follow him in our next chapter. 



CHAPTER V. 



LEE ITINERATING IN NEW ENGLAND. 

Excursion to Weathersfield — Labors at Hartford — Visits Farmington — Interest for 
"principles " — Forms the New Haven Circuit — Excursions — Passes through Rhode 
Island — Unexpected meeting with Garrettson — Tour of the latter — Lee arrives in 
Boston — Preaches at Salem, Newburyport, Portsmouth, Marblehead — Returns to 
Boston — Departs for the Conference — Reflections. 

Immediately on the arrival of his colleagues, Lee depart- 
ed to survey new fields of labor. Much of Connecticut, and 
all the Eastern and Northern sections of New England, were 
yet unentered by the Methodist ministry. Cheered by the 
arrival of fellow laborers, and accompanied by one of them, 
he starts with unslackened energy to proclaim his message 
through these remoter regions. " On Wednesday, March 3d," 
he says, " Brother Brush went to see Br. Roberts, whom we 
had left behind sick, and Br. Smith and myself set out to the 
Eastward, leaving Br. Brush to supply my two-weeks 
circuit." 

Sunday, 14th, we find him preaching at Weathersfield, in 
the North Brick School-house. " Some of the people," he 
remarks, " sensibly felt what I said, and tears ran down from 
their eyes. Glory be to God, that we were favored with the 
presence of Him who walked in the fiery furnace with his 

80 



LEE IN NEW ENGLAND. 



81 



cMldren. 0, that the Lord may revive his work in this 
place ! Here we met with a couple of old friends from 
Hartford, Mr. Thomas Hildrup, and Mr. Coop, who rejoiced 
to see us on our way to their city. They informed us that 
the Lord was reviving his work in Hartford. My soul re- 
joiced at the glad tidings, and I was ready to say, ' Lord, we 
are well able to go up and possess the land.' I left Br. Smith 
behind, to preach to the same congregation in the afternoon. 
I went on to Hartford, and put up at Mr, Winship's, a pri- 
vate lodging prepared for me, by my two old friends. I 
was informed that several persons were awakened by my 
preaching, when I was here before. The hearing of this 
humbled my soul in the dust, and strengthened my faith. 
Ah, Lord, what am I, that thou shouldst own my labors and 
comfort my soul ? Not unto me, not unto me, 0 Lord, but 
unto thy name give glory. At 2 o'clock they rang the bell, 
and we met in the State House. I preached on 1 Thess., 5 : 
19. I had a large company of hearers to speak to ; and 
glory be to God for his goodness to me while speaking his 
word. I felt my soul happy in the Lord, the people heard 
with great attention, and with many tears. I felt as if the 
word had taken hold of the hearts of the hearers. The com- 
fort I felt at this meeting was worth more than all the plea- 
sures of this poor world." 

At night he was again sounding the alarm in the State 
House. The next day he spent in visiting " from house to 
house." In the afternoon he held an inquiry or class-meet- 
ing, with some persons who came to talk of " the form and 
power of godliness ; " but, " according to the New England 
custom, we spent," he says, " a little time in talking about 
principles ; especially the probability of men being lost after 
they are converted to God. We met again, at night, in the 
State House, where I preached on John 16 : 20. I felt great 



82 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



freedom in preaching, from first to last. My eyes were often 
filled with tears, and sometimes I could hardly keep from 
weeping aloud. My soul fed upon the word, while I was en- 
deavoring to feed the flock of God. We had more people in 
the State House this night than had ever been seen there 
on any occasion. They were very solemn and attentive, 
many of them were deeply affected, and wept bitterly under 
the word. It appeared to me that God was opening the way 
for us to be received by and greatly blessed to the people. 
After we broke up, several persons came and spoke to me, 
and begged my prayers. It has often been my prayer, of 
late, that if our undertaking in visiting these parts were ac- 
cording to the will of God, he would open the houses of the 
people to receive us, and their hearts to receive our instmc- 
tions. Here my prayer is visibly answered. We have re- 
peated invitations to call upon and lodge with the people ; 
and they earnestly request our prayers, attend our ministry, 
and desire our advice. 3Iy heart is drawn toivarch the ^peo- 
ple in the Eastern States. If the Lord ojmis the way hefore 
me^ I thhih I shall visit them shortly. 

The day following he was at Farmington, where he met 
another instance of New England interest for theological 
"principles." He was entertained with dinner by a Mr. 

W. " We had been there but a little time before the old 

man began to talk about principles, and the old lady to pre- 
pare dinner. We continued the discourse till we had dined. 
When the old man found out that we believed a person might 
fall from grace and be lost, he discovered a good deal of an- 
ger, and said, if David had died in the act of adultery, and 
Peter while swearing, they would have been saved. ' Then,' 
said I, ' after a man is converted he is obliged to be saved, 
lie can't help it.' ' Yes,' says he, ' he is obliged to be saved, 
whether he will or not, for it is impossible for him to help it.' 



LEE IN NEW ENGLAND. 



83 



He said lie would as soon liear us curse Grod at once, as to 
hear us say that God would give his love to a person and 
then take it away. I told him God would never take it 
away, but we might cast it away. Seeing he was much 
ruffled in his temper, I thought it best to be moving ; so we 
asked him the way to Mr. Coles', but he would not tell us, 
for he said Mr. Coles would not hke his sending such men 
to his house. However, we got directions from his wife, and 
then set out. I shook hands with the old man, and told him 
I hoped God would reward him for his kindness." 

He passed on to Derby, where, hiring the bell-man to ring 
the people out, he addressed them, and departed to preach at 
Milford. Thence he passed to New Haven, where he preach- 
ed on Sunday. Besides the Stamford or Redding circuit, 
where he had labored at first, he had now formed the New 
Haven ckcuit, extending over a hundred and twenty miles, 
and comprising three cities, five thickly settled towns, and 
several smaller places. This range of travel and labor was 
to be compassed every fortnight by the tireless Itinerant of 
the times. It has since become a most prosperous field 
of Methodism. A writer, who labored in it during 1832, 
says that the present New Haven district is almost entirely 
composed of Lee's two-weeks circuit — it contained at that 
date fifteen circuits and stations, employed thirty-four travel- 
ling preachers, had between thirty and forty local preachers, 
nearly meeting-houses, and 5,824 church members.* 

He spent about two weeks more in traversing Connecticut, 
preaching almost dally. On Saturday, April 17, he pene- 
trated into Windham county, Vermont, Avhere he spent two 
days, and passing through a portion of New Hampshire, en- 
tered Massachusetts. He records " many discouragements," 



♦Letter of Rev. Heman Bangs, inCh. Ad. and Journal, Nov. 23, 181^. 



84 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



and " not so much satisfaction in Massachusetts as in Con- 
necticut." On the 10th of ]\Iay he was again in the latter 
State, preaching, and consolmg himself Tvith his co-laborer, 
George Roberts, at Middletown. The next day he was away 
again, traveUing to and fro, in Connecticut, and proclaiming 
daily the word of life, until the latter part of June, when he 
set his face towards the East. On his route, he dehvered 
two discourses at Norwich, and thence passed to New Lon- 
don, where he preached several times, with much comfort. 
Thence he went to Stonington, where he delivered his mes- 
sage, and entered Rhode Island. In the latter State he 
preached respectively at Newport, Bristol, Warren, and 
Providence. At Warren he was cordially admitted to the 
pulpits of other denominations, and treated with much kind- 
ness. In Providence he preached five times in a private 
house, and several times in the couri>-house. 

He left Providence for Boston. When about ten miles on his 
way, his attention was suddenly arrested by a sight as astonish- 
ing to him, under the circumstances, as a supernatural appari- 
tion could well be. He saw, at a distance on the road, two men 
on horseback, habited with the simphcity of Methodist 
preachers, and accompanied by that invariable symbol of our 
early Itinerancy — the now obsolete saddle-hags. One of 
these horsemen was an intelhgent but humble looking colored 
man, who seemed to enjoy his position more than if he were 
attending a hero in a triumph, the other was a man of small 
but robust stature, neatly clad, of benignant aspect, and pre- 
senting, to Lee's eye, a startling resemblance to one of his 
old companions in the Itinerant labors of the South. They 
appeared dusty and weary, as if they had journeyed far dur- 
ing the day. Lee quickened his pace, halted before them, 
and was soon clasping with delight the hand of his former friend 
and fellow laborer, Freehorn Garrcttson. Garrettson, like 



LEE IN NEW ENGLAND. 



85 



himself, was a native of the Middle States, — a burning and a 
shining hght in our early ministry, — zealous, remarkably placa- 
ble, always rejoicing in Grod, "All meekness and love, and yet 
all activity," said Coke, — a man of property, who had emanci- 
pated his slaves for Christ's sake, had travelled in the South, in 
the Middle States, in the North, and even in the British Prov- 
inces, to preach his " Glorious Grospel," had suffered inde- 
scribable privations and fatigues as his ambassador, had been 
mobbed and imprisoned, had escaped attempts on his life, 
made with fire arms and with poison, — a man who had every 
domestic attraction to allure him from his work, and every 
susceptibility of the heart to feel such attractions, and yet 
who declared through a long and by a laborious career, that 
none of these things moved him ; neither counted he his life 
dear unto himself so that he might finish his course with joy, 
and the ministry which he had received of the Lord Jesus, 
to testify the Gospel of the grace of God. His colored com- 
panion was well known in the church of that day as " Elack 
Harry ;" he not only ministered to the temporal convenience 
of his master, but aided in his spiritual labors by frequently 
exhorting and preaching after him. 

The meeting of the two evangehsts on the highway was 
too remarkable not to attract attention ; a spectator approach- 
ed them, and perceiving their character, and affected by their 
spirit, invited them to partake of his hospitality and preach 
at his house that night. Such interviews were too rare and 
too refreshing in that day not to be rehshed by the weary 
Itinerants. They accepted the invitation, preached that 
night and the next morning m the house of their host, and 
tarried till after dinner in comforting conversations and devo- 
tions. Let us leave them there while we trace the Eastern 
excursion of Garrettson, which thus brought him upon the 
path of Lee. 

8 



86 



METHODISM IN NEW ENGLAND. 



On his return from Nova Scotia, in 1787, lie passed 
through Boston, where he found three persons who had been 
members of a Methodist Society, which was formed there 
some seventeen years before by Mr. Boardman — one of the 
first two preachers sent across the Atlantic by Wesley. The 
Society had expired for lack of pastoral care. Mr. Grarretfc- 
son preached several sermons in private houses and departed 
to the South, not, however, without the purpose of future 
efforts for Boston. After laboring some time in Maryland, 
he started on his way to New England in May, 1788. But 
on arriving at New York, he was induced by Asbury to take 
charge of the Northern district which extended up the Hud- 
son and included most of the Methodist work at that time in 
the State of New York. He was thus prevented from an- 
ticipating Lee in the labor and honor of founding Method- 
ism in New England. He kept a steady eye upon it, how- 
ever, especially upon Boston, and in 1790, while yet superin- 
tending the Northern district, he started on an excursion to 
the Eastern metropolis. 

He entered the North-western ano;le of Connecticut at 
Sharon, on the 20th of June, accompanied by " Harry," and 
preached under the trees to about one thousand people, from, 
"0 my dove, thou art in the clefts of the rock," &c. "I 
was much drawn out," he says, " and great attention was paid 
to the word. The devil strives very hard to hmder the 
spreading of the gospel in this town ; but, blessed be God, 
many are under awakenings, and I think the kingdom of 
Satan will be greatly shaken. 

On the 22d, he rode about fifteen miles, and preached in a 
Presbyterian meeting-house to some hundreds, on, "If the 
righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the migodly and sin- 
ner appear ? " His hearers were deeply affected under the 
word. 



LEE IN NEW ENGLAND. 87 

Wednesday, 2Sd, he rode about twelve miles to Litchfield, 
and was surprised to find the doors of the Episcopal church 
open, and a large congregation waiting for him. He discours- 
ed from, " Enoch walked with God," and beheved good 
was done. He left Harry to preach another sermon, and 
went on to the centre of the town ; the bell rang, and he 
preached to a few in the Presbyterian meeting-house, and 
lodged with a kind Churchman. 

The same day " I preached," he says, " ui the skirts of 

the town, where I was opposed by , who made a great 

disturbance. I told him the enemy had sent him to pick up 
the good seed ; turned my back on him, and went on my way, 
accompanied by brothers W. and H. I found another waiting 
company, in another part of the town, to whom I declared, 
' Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish.' In this town 
we have given the devil and the wicked much trouble ; we 
have a few good friends." 

On Friday, 25th, he rode through a storm of rain some 
fourteen miles, and declared to a large assembly, "If we say 
that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves." The power of 
God was manifest among the people ; " several," he writes, 
" were in tears, and there was a shaking among them." He 
had now penetrated far enough into New England to meet 
with its peculiarities, especially that pugnacious interest for 
" principles," which Lee and his associates had so generally 
startled. The village 'squire, accompanied by a phalanx of 
grave townsmen, came forth to converse with him on the, to 
them., vital points of unconditional election and reprobation, 
the freedom of the will and perseverance. The discussion 
was held far into midnight, when the assailants, "much 
shaken," found it convenient to retreat. " We have hard 
work," he says, " to plant what they call Arminianism in this 



88 



MEMOEIALS OF METHODISM. 



county : we stand in need of tlie wisdom of tlie serpent and 
tlie harmlessness of tlie dove." 

The next morning he was away again, on his route to the 
Eastward, but paused to preach in a barn, from, " Deliver 
us from evil." " I had," he says, " a considerable degree of 
freedom in enforcing the necessity of being delivered from all 
sin ; some believed it and some did not ; among the rest, 
one good old man, who came a considerable distance on foot, 
said, the Lord is with us and I am satisfied. A few weeks 
ago he was a warm pleader for the unconditional decrees ; 
but now he sees differently. Sunday, 27th, I preached in 
Farmington to about three hundred people, and had great 
freedom in showing that Christ tasted death for every man, 
and that as the way was open, if they did not repent they 
would justly be damned. There are a few precious souls 
here who cleave to our doctrine and have united to our so- 
ciety." 

On the 28th, he reached Hartford, and preached to five or 
six hundred people in the court-house. They gave respectful 
heed to the words which were spoken by himself, but Harry, 
who attempted, as usual, to exhort after him, was received 
" very uncivilly." On the 30th, they arrived at Worcester, 
" where," he says, " I was kindly entertained by Mr. Chan- 
ler, but the people appeared to have a small share of reli- 
gion : I went from one end of the town to the other and 
could get no one to open the court-house and gather the peo- 
ple. I went to the house of the Rev. ]Mr. B , and was 

asked to take tea. I drew near, and inquired if it was not 
customary to ask a blessing ? ' No,' said he, ' not over tea.' 
I then drew back from the table : his countenance changed, 
and he said in a very short manner, ' You may ask a blessing 
over your dish.' Pmching want might drive me to eat and 
di'ink in such a case. I had an hour's conversation with bun. 



LEE IN NEW ENGLAND. 



89 



It is lamentable for a master in Israel to deny the power of 
religion." 

The next day (July 1st,) he entered Boston. The follow- 
ing are his notes of his visit there : 

" "We rode through a very pleasant country ; I never saw 
more elegant buildings in a country place than those that 
surround Cambridge, and the college has an imposing appear- 
ance. I got into Boston about seven o'clock, after riding 
forty-eight miles. I boarded Harry with the master mason 
for the Africans, and I took my own lodgings with a private 
gentleman, who had been a Methodist in England, but has, 
I fear, fallen from the spirit of Methodism. 

" Sunday, 4th, I attended church in the morning, and 
gave great uneasiness to the people with whom I lodged, on 
account of my not communing, I never in my life saw such 
a set of communicants, dressed in the height of the mode, 
and with all the frippery of fashion — so much of the world 
in their manners and appearance that my mind was most easy 
to look on. In the afternoon I preached in a meeting-house 
which had formerly belonged to Dr. Mather. Monday 
evening, hkewise, in the same place. Tuesday I went from 
end to end of the town, and visited several who were friendly, 
a few of whom were formerly Methodists, but I fear they 
are not such in practice. I engaged the use of the meeting- 
house, and a place for a preacher to board, and on Wednes- 
day set out for Providence." On his way thither, as we 
have seen, he met Lee, who himself was journeying to the 
metropohs of the East. Before we accompany the latter, 
let us follow Garrettson back to his district in New York. 

On parting from Lee the next day after this unexpected 
meeting, he directed his course to Providence, where he had 
an apportunity, the same evening, of preaching in " good old 
Mr. Snow's meeting-house." The following day he preached 
8* 



90 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



there again to a larger congregation than the night before. 
On Sunday he officiated all day for " good Mr. Snow," be- 
ginning at 6 o'clock, A. M. Harry, also, found himself at 
home among the cordial people of Mr. Snow's charge, and 
honorable amends were made him for his discourteous recep- 
tion at Hartford. He "held forth" at six o'clock, P. M., 
in the meeting-house, to more than a thousand people. The 
next morning Garrettson was up and preaching to several 
hundred hearers at five o'clock, and in a few hours after, was 
on his way westward. " I had," he says, " a sweet time in 
Pro\idence. I have no doubt but the Lord begun a good 
work in many hearts. I left many in tears. I left town about 
nine o'clock, rode about thirty-five miles, and lodged at Colo- 
nel P 's, whom I found to be a very kind man, and I 

trust the family were stirred up : the daughter seemed to be 
much afiected." 

Tuesday, 13th, he rode forty-five miles to Hartford, and 
" preached," he says, " the next evening to as ill behaved an 
audience as I have ever seen in New England. The people 
of this place, with a few exceptions, seem to be fast asleep 
in the arms of the wicked one." The following night he 
preached again, and " some of what are called the gentry," 
he remarks, "behaved so ill that I was under the necessity 
of breaking up the meeting and declining to preach by can- 
dle light." 

Methodist preachers, in those times, were not to be defeat- 
ed by popular violence ; the next day he was preaching again 
in the State House. He rode to Weathersfield and preached 
at eleven o'clock, and likewise at two, and then returned and 
preached at Hartford at five, to about two hundred people. 
" I am apprehensive," he remarks, " from the state of religion 
in this place, that the ministers do not enjoy the life and pow- 
er of religion ; they seem to be so smoothed over that they 



LEE IN NEW ENGLAND. 



91 



cannot with any degree of patience bear to hear of the car- 
nal mind, or any mention of hell. " Thursday, I preached 
with freedom at Farmington, and on Tuesday morning I gave 
an exhortation on the subject of baptism, baptized fourteen 
adults and children ; we had a sweet time, then rode to 
Litchfield and preached to a serious company." 

On Saturday, 24th, he preached at Cornwall. " I found," 
he says, " that the Lord had begun a blessed work in this 
town when I preached here before, so I rode to Canaan, 
where I was comfortable." 

He had now reached the neighborhood of his district. 
Harry, especially, began to feel more " comfortable." On 
Sunday, 25th, Garrettson preached in Canaan on the 
talents, " The Lord was with us," he exclaims, " The 
work in this place is moving on. I have circulated a sub- 
scription for the building of a church here. Brother Blood- 
good was with me : as it was too warm in the house I preach- 
ed in the open air. Harry preached after me with much ap- 
plause. I rode in the afternoon and preached in Sahsbury, 
in a part of the town in which I had never before preached, 
and I think I have never seen so tender a meeting in this 
town before, for a general weeping ran through the assembly, 
especially while Harry gave an exhortation. The Lord is 
carrying on a blessed work in this town." By the 29th, he 
was on his district at Hudson, where, to gratify the public 
curiosity, he had to give place to Harry, who was heard by 
different denominations with much admiration, and whom the 
Quakers believed preached "by immediate inspiration." 

Let us now return to Lee, and follow him in his Eastern 
tour. On parting from Garrettson, he pressed forward to 
Boston, where he arrived on the 9th of July. The impression 
produced by the brief visit of the former had already evanesced. 



92 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

The day was spent in useless attempts to procure a place, 
public or private, for preaching ; " every expedient failed." 
But not discouraged, he took his stand, as we have seen, on 
the Common, the next day, and delivered his message to 
three thousand people. As the way seemed not yet open for 
him, he left the city the day after his discourse on the Com- 
mon, to survey yet more extensively his Eastern field. 

" He rode," says his biographer, to Salem, and preached 
in Mr. Joshua Spalding's pulpit, to a large company of atten- 
tive hearers. Thence he passed through Ipswich to New- 
buryport, and, according to direction, called on Rev. Mr. 
Murray. When Mr. Murray found out that he belonged to 
Mr. Wesley's connection, he very pohtely offered to treat Mr. 
Lee as a gentleman and as a Christian, but not as a preacher 
— he could not let him preach in his pulpit. His apology 
was, that he had been informed by letter that a preacher of 
the Wesleyan party had lately been up the Comiecticut River, 
and that he had held meetings in four different places in one 
day. Mr. Lee informed him that he was the man who had 
been guilty of the crime. But, although not successful in 
getting Mr. Murray's pulpit, he succeeded, after much exer- 
tion, m obtaining the court-house, at which place he appelated 
preaching on his return. From Newburyport he proceeded 
to Portsmouth, then the metropolis of New Hampshire. 
Here he preached to a solemn and attentive congregation, 
and some were truly thankful that he had visited that place. 
He then left Portsmouth, and returned to Newburyport. 
Here he found, that although he had obtained leave of the 
selectmen to preach in the court-house, when there before, 
yet even in a few days, three of them had changed their 
minds, and were inclined to keep him out of it. However, 
in the evening the congregation assembled, and one of the 
selectmen being present, opened the door, and Mr. Lee 



LEE IN NEW ENGLAND. 



93 



preaclied to a company of well behaved people ; some of 
whom were melted into tears before the conclusion of the 
sermon. Fearing lest they should form some objection to his 
preaching there in future, he resolved to make sure of one 
more time, and appointed to preach at the same place the 
next morning at six o'clock. Morning preaching was a new 
thing there, but he had a great many out, and had reason 
to hope that many were profited by hearing, while he was 
blessed in speaking. 

" Leavmg Newburyport, he went to the New Mills, and 
preached in the Baptist meeting-house. There he received 
a letter from Mr. Spalding, of Salem, informing him that he 
had made an appointment for him to preach in his meeting- 
house that evening. He accordingly went to Salem, and 
fulfilled the appointment. Here he was solicited by a gentle- 
man from Marblehead to visit that place. He hesitated, at 
first, not knowing that an opportunity would be presented ; 
but upon second thought he concluded to go and see them 
the next day, which he accordingly did. Here he had cause 
to believe that his preaching was made a great blessing to 
the people," 

From Marblehead he rode to Boston, and preached to 
about three thousand people on the Common. Blessed be 
God," he exclaims, "he made his quickening presence 
known, and met us in the field." 

During the past week he had travelled at least one hun- 
dred and thirty miles, made his own appointments, and 
preached ten times. 

In this, his second visit to Boston, he not only preached on 
the Common, but also in a private house ; and, on one occa- 
sion, in a meeting-house belonging to the Baptists, which had 
been vacant. He also went to Charlestown, to see if any 
there were willing to receive him as the messenger of Christ. 



94 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



Here lie preached in a private house, and had reason to be- 
lieve that many felt the weight of what was spoken. On the 
ensuing Sabbath he preached upon the Common, in Boston, 
again, to a much greater multitude than on the two former 
occasions. Although there had been a considerable fall of 
rain that day, and the earth was rendered quite wet, he cal- 
culated that there were not less than five thousand present. 

Having surveyed his new sphere of labor in the East, he 
departed on his way to the next Conference, in New York 
city. He passed through Connecticut, on his route, preach- 
ing at Enfield, Hartford, Middlefields, &c. At the latter 
place a Quarterly Meeting was held for the New Haven 
circuit — the one founded by him immediately before his de- 
parture for Boston — and a society of six members Avas or- 
ganized. 

More than sixteen months had elapsed since his appoint- 
ment to New England ; about nine of them without the sup- 
port of a single colleague. After travelling through and 
preaching in portions of Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massa- 
chusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont, proclaiming the 
word of life in fields, court-houses, private houses and 
churches, by day and by night, and surmounting obstacles 
from which most men would have retreated in despair, he 
departs to the Conference at New York, with the following 
reflections : 

" Here I may stop and look back on the year that is past. 
But when I consider the many dangers I have passed through, 
the many mercies I have received, and the many moments I 
have not improved, I stand amazed at myself, and astonished 
at the goodness of God to me. It is now sixteen months and 
eight days since our last Conference, and in this time I have 
travelled several thousand miles, and preached in six States, 
and in chief part of the large towns in New England. In 



LEE IN NEW ENGLAND. 



95 



most places I have met with a much kinder reception than I 
could have expected, among persons holding principles so 
different from mine ; yet I have been much opposed, and have 
been under the disagreeable necessity of spending much of 
my time in talking on controverted points, sometimes in pub- 
lic, and oft times in private. When I was opposed, if I dis- 
covered an inclination to waive the discourse, they would im- 
mediately conclude my principles were so bad that I was 
afraid to let them be known. For this reason I have been 
led to debate the matter with the principle part of those who 
have spoken to me with a calm spirit. I have generally 
quietness of mind while conversing on doctrinal points, and 
oft times seemed to be immediately assisted from Heaven ; 
answers have been put in my mouth, that were not famihar to 
me, when strange questions have been asked. I have been 
enabled to go through all my hardships with great satisfac- 
tion, have been much blessed with the people, and the Lord 
has given me to see visible fruit of my labors, in the awaken- 
ing and conversion of some precious souls." 



CHAPTER VI. 



LEE AND HIS CO-LABOKERS. 

1790-91. 

Lee returns to the Conference — His Success in the East — Plan of Labor for the ensu- 
ing year — View of the Old Circuits — Dr. Roberts — John Bloodgood — John Lee — 
Nathaniel B. Mills — Samuel Wigton — Henry Christie — Lee's return to New England 
— Boston — Trials — Departs for New York — Formation of the first Methodist Society 
in Massachusetts — Erection of the first Chapel — Lee returns to the Conference at 
New York — Results. 

On Monday, Oct. 4, 1790, Jesse Lee entered the Confer- 
ence in New York city, to entreat additional laborers for 
New England. What could lie report of his success since 
he left the same body, in June of the preceding year ? A 
tale of as hard fare and as hard labors, doubtless, as any 
one there could relate, except possibly the venerable man 
who sat in the chair — the unequalled Asbury . But not of 
toils and trials alone could he speak ; much had been achiev- 
ed. Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Eastern Massachusetts 
had been quite thoroughly surveyed, for more definite plans 
of labor. He himself had proclaimed the principles of 
Methodism in all the five New England States.* He had 



* Maine was not then a State, but a province of Massachusetts. 

96 



LEE AND HIS CO-LABORERS. 



97 



removed much prejudice, and put tlie whole country more or 
less in expectation of further efforts. Prior to his departure 
from Connecticut to Boston, he had formed definitively two 
circuits, Stamford, Fairfield, or Redding, as it was afterwards 
called, and Ncav Haven, and subsequently the general outlines 
of another, in Eastern Massachusetts. His fellow laborers had 
also extended their travels in many directions, so that five 
circuits were recorded on the Minutes, at the present Confer- 
ence.* Many souls had been awakened and converted. 
Unless we err in our estimate of the returns in the Minutes, 
nearly 200 had been united in classes ;t ^ remarkably large 
number, if we consider the formidable obstacles which ob- 
structed every movement of the few laborers in the field. 
Two chapels, at least, had been erected; one — the first 
Methodist one ever built in New England ■ — in the parish of 
Stratfield, town of Stratford, Connecticut, built by the society 
of Weston, (now Easton,) called Zee's Chapel ^'l^ the second, 
in Dantown, partially built, as we have seen, when Lee wel- 
comed into it his newly arrived assistants, on the 27th Feb- 
ruary, 1790. 

Such were the results, thus far ; and with these for his ar- 
guments, Mr. Lee could not fail to intercede successfully for 
New England. He spent three hours in a private interview 
^vith Bishop Asbury, discussing its claims. § That good and 
far-seeing man of God not only complied with his wishes, 
so far as to despatch with him additional laborers, but re- 
solved to visit the Eastern States himself in the course of the 
ensuing year. 

* Min., 1790. f 

X Letter of Rev, H. ITucsted of Stratford, Connecticut, to tho Writer. Dr. Bangs (His- 
tory of Methodism, vol. 1, book 3, chap. 2.) places this chapel in Weston, (now Easton.) 
Tlio error aroso probably from the fact that the society whicli built it have since removed 
to a now cdilicc in tliat town. 



^, Memoir, Chap. 11. 



98 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



In the following schedule of the appointments made at this 
Conference for New England, we have an outline of the field 
of Methodism within its limits : — Jesse Lee, Elder ; 'Fairfield^ 
John Bloodgood ; New Haven^ John Lee ; Hartford^ Nathaniel 
B. Mills ; Bosto7i, Jesse Lee, Daniel Smith. Besides these 
circuits, under the nominal supervision of Mr. Lee, (for such 
onlj we shall find it to have been,) there was the Litchfield cir- 
cuit. Conn.,* travelled by Samuel Wigton and Henry Christie, 
and- included in a district which lay mostly within the State of 
New York, under the Presiding Eldership of the devoted 
Ereeborn Garrettson. One district and part of a second, 
-dve circuity and seven preachers, constituted, then, the min- 
isterial arrangements of Methodism for New England, during 
the ecclesiastical year 1790-1. 

The Litchfield circuit had been formed about the beginning 
of the spring of 1790, and comprehended the north-western 
section of Connecticut ; the Hartford circuit, in the latter 
part of the same season, and " took in both sides of the Con- 
necticut." f It included Wilbraham, Mass., Tolland, Hart- 
ford, Windsor, Suffield, Granby, Enfield, Winterbury, Mid- 
dletown, &c. Eairfield, we suppose, designates what was, at 
first, named the Stamford circuit. We have already des- 
cribed it, as also that of New Haven, which " extended along 
the post road from Milford to Hartford." J 

The name of George Roberts does not appear on the roll 
of this pioneer band, but is put down, as we have already 
noticed, for Annamessex, Md., though he had arrived in 
New England more than seven months before the session of 
the Conference in New York which terminated the ecclesias- 
tical year, and therefore preceded the publication of the Min- 



* Lee's History of Methodism, Ann. 1790. 
flbid. $Ibid. 



LEE AND HIS CO-LABORERS. 



99 



utes.* He continued, however, in the East, and his name 
appears in the hst of New England appointments for the next 
year. 

The reader cannot regret more than ourselves the meagre- 
ness of our sketches of these early evangelists. The records 
of those days are too scanty to admit of any thing like bio- 
graphical detail. Such as we have, however, we give, and 
claim only the credit of having searched laboriously, though 
in vain, for ampler information. If the obvious deficiency 
of these data should lead to any attempts to supply it from 
the personal reminiscences which may yet be extant, we shall 
claim the further credit of an important service to the 
church. * 

John Bloodgood, whose name is recorded for Fairfield 
this year, was received into the Conference on probation, in 
1788, but we have failed to ascertain in the Minutes his ap- 
pointment for that year. In 1789 he travelled Columbia cir- 
cuit, N. Y., whence he passed to Fairfield, Conn., in 1790. 
The next year he was appointed to Lynn, Mass., as colleague 
of Daniel Smith. In 1792 his name appears in the Minutes, 
among the Elders, but we have found no intimation whatever 
of his appointment. In 1793 he travelled the Annapolis cir- 
cuit, Md. Except the year 1808, when he accompanied Dr. 
Thomas Lyell to the East, and was appointed with him to 
Boston and Lynn, he continued in the Middle States, occu- 
pying important circuits and stations — among them Balti- 
more city several times — until 1809, when he is returned 
as located in the Baltimore Conference. His labors at An- 
napolis, and on Harford circuit, were attended by signal re- 
vivals. While at the latter, he received into the church the 



* There are confusions in the earlier Minutes, which utterly baffle our powers of discrim- 
ination. 



100 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



present senior editor of the Christian Advocate and Journal, 
who writes us the following notice of him : 

"I was taken into the church during his term of service on 
Harford circuit, Baltimore Conference, in the month of 
September, 1800 ; and in the course of the winter, and dur- 
ing my probation, appointed by him to the charge of a color- 
ed class, at the Fork meeting-house, within three miles of my 
father's residence, though in Baltimore .County. Mr. B.'s 
colleague, or assistant preacher, at that time, was Nicholas 
Waters, a brother of WilHam Waters, the first American 
preacher who entered the travelling connection. 

" The sudden death of my medical preceptor, Dr. Day, oc- 
casioned my removal to Baltimore, before Mr. B. left our cir- 
cuit ; and I lost sight of him until his location. He married 
in Baltimore, and died there, leaving a daughter, who is still 
living. I have no information with respect to the life and 
conversation, or the death, of this eminently useful minister 
of Christ. I think his health must have failed so entirely as 
to prevent him from pulpit labors, as I have no recollection 
of hearing him preach after his location, though he resided 
partly in Fells-point and partly at his country seat in the sub- 
urbs of the city. 

" Of the personal and ministerial character of Mr. Blood- 
good, I cannot be supposed to have been very competent to 
form an adequate judgment, so early in life and in religious 
profession. In personal appearance, he was imposing — tall, 
well-formed, straight as an arrow, with a fine complexion, 
good symmetrical features, and especially a quick and pene- 
trating eye ; he appeared to great advantage in the pulpit. I 
think he wore a wig, which took ofi" something from the ap- 
pearance which his real age would have given ; and in his 
dress he was remarkably particular ; not at all foppish, but al- 
ways neat, to the tie of his neckerchief, and his clothes brush 



LEE AND HIS CO-LABOREES. 101 

was held in daily requisition. His mental endowments were 
good, but his acquirements did not correspond with his capac- 
ity. His education was restricted to the rudiments com 
monlj taught in country schools in his time. My father's 
house was a preaching place, and Mr. Bloodgood had a reg- 
ular appointment there every other Sabbath, in the afternoon. 
Monday was a resting day, and was spent at my father's. 
On Tuesday there was preaching at Mr. George Garrettson's, 
brother of the venerable Freeborn Garrettson. Mr. Blood- 
good evidently took some pains to prepare for the pulpit ; but 
after searching his Bible — and he read it much — he seem- 
.ed to depend on his own invention for the laying out and fill- 
ing up of his discourse. Earnest, with an evident exhibition 
of a deep self-conviction of the truths he delivered, and a 
feehng of the importance of the exhortations he gave, con- 
fining himself to the common topics — the exceeding sinful- 
ness of sin, the danger of delaying conversion, and the free- 
ness and fullness of the salvation offered in the Gospel, and 
taking his illustrations, and borrowing his imagery, from the 
objects most familiar to his hearers — he found direct access 
to the consciences and the hearts of his hearers, and turned 
many to righteousness. The revival of 1800, perhaps, ex- 
ceeded any thing which had ever been known in the church, 
both in the rapidity of its spread, and the number and variety 
of its subjects. The whole church partook of it ; and in some 
places it promised a universal turning of the people from 
Satan unto God. Every where you went, even in the depth 
of winter, the woods were vocal with the songs of Zion ; the 
children, as they went to school, people on the road, or in 
the forest felling the timber, or procuring fuel, all, and al- 
ways, were singing the hymns and spiritual songs which were 
sung at Methodist meetings ; and every prayer-meeting ap- 
pointed, whether the preachers were present or absent, was 
9* 



102 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



crowded with people rejoicing in hope, or inquiring for the 
way of life. Under such circumstances, such a man as John 
Bloodgood coald but be in his element. Rest days were un- 
known. Every day, and every night, was employed in his 
work, the work of ' saving souls.' And great was the suc- 
cess his Master gave him ; numerous will be the stars in his 
crown gathered from Harford circuit. He died in 1810." 

John Lee, who was appointed this year to the New Ha- 
ven circuit, entered the Itinerant ministry in 1788, and was 
appointed, with his brother Jesse, to Flanders circuit, N. J. 
The year following, he was colleague with Wm. Phoebus, on 
the Long Island circuit. His appearance on the new field 
of the East was brief, but signal. Though attended by the 
disabilities of incurable disease, he had a soul of fire, and his 
shattered frame was indeed the temple of the Holy Ghost ;" 
a dilapidated shrine, in which the divine Shekinah dwelt and 
shone. His brother has published a memoir of his brief and 
sufiering life, which exhibits him as a man of extraordinary 
consecration, incessant in prayer, hungering and thirsting af- 
ter righteousness, panting for the salvation of souls, rising 
often in the midst of wintry nights, while all others around 
were wrapped in sleep, and strugghng, like Jacob, in supplica- 
tions for himself, the church, and the world. With the ten- 
derest sensibility, chastened by much physical suffering, a 
burning zeal that would have welcomed martyrdom, and per- 
suasive and affecting powers of address, he appeared in the 
pulpit anointed with a divine unction which seemed to drip 
down his whole person, "like the precious ointment that ran 
down the beard, even Aaron's beard, that went down to the 
skirts of his garments." Many were blessed and comforted 
by his short ministry in the East. One circumstance, if no 
other, rendered his visit memorable in our history. He was 
instrumental in the conversion of the first native Methodist 



LEE AND HIS CO-LABORERS. 103 

preacher raised up in New England. That venerable man, 
still lingering among us, speaks of him in the following 
terms : 

" John Lee, the brother of Jesse Lee, came to Lynn, to 
visit his brother Jesse, on or near the 1st of September, 
1791. His coming proved a blessing to many. He was a 
lively, animated preacher, had a strong, clear, musical voice, 
and was affectionate in his address. As he had drunk deep 
of the cup of bitterness, of wormwood and gall, for his own 
sins, he had a sympathizing heart for those who were in dis- 
tress. He was the instrument, in God's hand, of minister- 
ing the balm of comfort to my sin-sick soul. He was em- 
phatically a son of consolation. His short visit to Lynn and 
vicinity was profitable to many. His last address was from 
Ephes. 5 : 1 : 'Be ye therefore followers of God as dear 
children.' He had a pleasant and profitable gift of exhorta- 
tion, which he often improved after his brother Jesse and 
others had preached. He had the happy faculty of bringing 
religious truth home to the minds and hearts of his hearers, 
in an easy, famihar way, and of carrying their feelings with 
him into the pleasant paths of practical piety. He was of a 
consumptive habit, frequently spitting blood, which was in- 
creased by often speaking in public. He was obliged to re- 
tire from constant, laborious service, and lived a few years, 
lingering out a happy life, in endeavoring, in vain, to recover 
health, to be more active in the ministry. His death was 
singularly peaceful. His brother Jesse has pubhshed a short 
account of his experience, life and death. He located, 
through ill health, in 1T91." * 

His death was sudden, but worthy of him. He had been 
travelhng in the Southern States, accompanied by a servant, 



* Letter of Rev. E. Mudgo to the Writer. 



104 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

in persuit of health. On his way home, without improvement, 
he observed to his attandant that he felt a difficulty in breath- 
ing and believed he was near his end. His servant attempt- 
ed to persuade him that his danger was not so imminent ; he 
rephed, that " it was no trifling matter, for an ulcer was form- 
ed on his lungs ; that he expected it would break on the out- 
side of the lungs, and if it did, he should die in a few hours." * 
In a short time he declared that the ulcer was broken, and in 
the manner he expected. They hastened to a house and re- 
quested admission, which was granted. After entering the 
house, he went out to the servant, who was taking care of 
the horses, and assuring him that he should die in a few hours, 
gave him his papers and directions respecting his burial. He 
re-entered the house and inquired if any of the family could 
sing. His hostess rephed they could, but imperfectly. 
He asked if any of them prayed openly, but received no re- 
ply. He then said, " I must pray," and falling on his knees, 
lifted up his failing voice in supplication to God. He pray- 
ed again and again and continued on his knees as if he wished 
to die in that humble posture ; but his attendant took him up 
and laid him on a bed. He then sent a message to his friends, 
entreating them not to sorrow for his fate, and assuring 
them that he departed with certain hope of eternal life. He 
died without a groan, in a few hours after the attack, in Surry 
County, North Carolina, on the 6th of October, 1801. 

Nathaniel B. Mills, was a hero in our early ministry. 
He was born in Newcastle county. State of Delaware, on the 
23d of February, 1766. Up to the fifteenth year of his age 
he indulged, as he himself admits, in the usual follies and 
vices of youth ; not, however, without serious and frequent 
reproaches of conscience. At this early age, when just 



♦Lee'a Memoir, page 265. 



LEE AND HIS CO-LABOREPtS. 105 

emerging from childhood, he was brought, chiefly through the 
instrumentality of Methodism, to the discovery of his lost 
condition as a sinner, and his need of salvation through the 
merits of our Lord J esus Christ. He was not disobedient 
unto the heavenly vision," but promptly, and with full pur- 
pose of heart, began to seek, through faith, an interest in the 
atonement of Christ. Or, to use his own language, he " be- 
came an habitually serious seeker of salvation." It was not, 
however, until two years subsequent to this remarkable event 
in his early history, that in the seventeenth year of his age, 
he found what he had thus so long and assiduously sought, 
" redemption in the blood of Christ, even the forgiveness of 
sins." " Not long after," as he informs us, by a singular 
circumstance," which, however, he does not name, " I was 
convinced of inbred sin," and induced to seek entire sanctifi- 
cation through the blood of Christ ; " Which," he adds, I 
trust I found, in some degree, at least, about the twentieth 
year of my age." " Soon after my conversion," he contin- 
ues, " I felt desires to warn my fellow men to flee the wath 
to come ; wMch I did first in my own neighborhood, and then 
at a distance, as Providence opened the way." After much 
prayer for divine direction, and careful self-examination, that 
he might not be deceived in a matter of so much importance 
to himself and others, he ofiered himself, and was received on 
probation in the Baltimore Conference, in the Spring of 
1T87.* 

Before his arrival in New England, he had travelled on 
Trenton, Salem and Newburg circuits, in New Jersey. In 
1790 he was appointed to Hartford,Conn., in 1791 to Fairfield, 
Conn., and in 1792 to Dorchester, Md. During the follow- 
ing five years, he labored extensively in Pennsylvania, Mary- 



* Minutes of 1844-5. 



106 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



land, and other middle States. ■ In 1797 and 8, we find his 
appointment bearing the significant designation, "Ohio;^' it 
doubtless verged on, if it did not penetrate, the wilderness 
which since, under the same name, has become the noblest 
State of the West. The following year he was again in Yir- 
ginia, on Prince George's circuit ; in 1800, he was colleague 
of the veteran James Quinn, at Pittsburg, under the Presid- 
ing Eldership of Daniel Hitt — an illustrious companionship. 
During twenty-four years, we find him pursuing his ministerial 
career in the Baltimore Conference, moving to and fro, from 
its eastern circuits to Ohio, and from the interior of Pennsyl- 
vania to that of Virginia, until 1824, when he appears in the 
list of the " superannuated and worn-out preachers " of that 
Conference, in company with Nelson Reed, Joshua Wells, and 
other distinguished veterans. But it is hard for a hero to 
retire from the field, while the clarion is still sounding, or the 
shout of battle is on the air ; and even the old war-horse 
" saith among the trumpets, aha ! aha ! and smells the battle 
afar off, the thunder of the captains and the shouting." 
Though he had passed nearly forty years in the ministry, we 
find the hoary headed Mills, at the next Conference, leaving 
the ranks of the Superannuated, and entering again the 
effective fists, where he continued till 1829, when, after a 
laborious ministry of forty-two years, he took his place among 
the Supernumeraries of the Conference. He continued, 
however, to preach regularly, being appointed that year to 
Rockingham; in 1830, to Great Falls ; 1831, Loudon and 
Fairfax; 1832, Baltimore circuit; 1833, Liberty; and in 
1834, Frederick. In 1835 he was compelled to retire again 
to the ranks of the Superannuated, where he continued till 
his death. The ministry of the Word was, however, " a 
ruling passion " with him, and it was strong even till death. 
He continued to labor, with untiring constancy, as he had 



LEE AND HIS CO-LABORERS. 107 

strength and opportunity ; and the last pubHc act of his pro- 
tracted ministry was performed on the last Sabbath of his 
life. On the morning of that day he preached his last ser- 
mon. The selection of his final text was characteristic of 
the veteran soldier of Christ, it was from Judges 5 : 31 : 
" So let all thine enemies be scattered, 0 Lord ; but let them 
that love him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might/' 
On the following Thursday morning, the day on which he 
closed together his labors and his sufferings, he led the devo- 
tions of the family : so that, in his case, the pious wish of 
the venerable Wesley seemed to be fully realized : — 

" O, that without a ling'ring groan 
I may the welcome word receive : 
My body with my charge lay down ; 
And cease at once to work and live." 

Without a " struggle or a gToan" he made his triumphant 
exit to the paradise and presence of God, and literally ceased 
at once to " work and hve." He was a holy man of God," 
says the account to which we are indebted for most of these 
facts,* and though we are not permitted to claim for him 
entire exemption from the ordinary infirmities and weaknesses 
inseparable from humanity, we are at least warranted in say- 
ing that these infirmities are seldom found associated with 
greater purity of purpose and innocency of life. He was 
also a sound, good, and practical preacher, of the primitive 
school of Methodist ministers. He was, indeed, one of the 
last of that highly interesting class of men, to whom, under 
God, the church and the world are so deeply indebted. His 
death may, to some extent, be regarded as the severance of 
the last link — so far, at least, as the ministry of this Confer- 



Obituary from the Baltimoro Conference, in the Minutes of 1844-5. 



108 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

ence is concerned — by which the past and the present have 
heretofore been united. ' Mark the perfect man, and behold 
the upright ; for the end of that man in peace.' " 

Samuel Wigton joined the Itinerancy in 1788, and was 
appointed to take Lake Champlain circuit, (N. Y.;) the next 
year he travelled on Columbia circuit, (N. Y.,) with John 
Bloodgood ; he labored in New England only during 1790 ; 
the following year he was at Albany ; in 1792, on Columbia 
circuit, (N. Y.,) and in 1793 at Albany again ; this was the 
last year of his Itinerant labors ; the next he is reported in 
the list of locations, and disappears from our view. 

Henry Christie, his colleague, was admitted on trial, as a 
travelling preacher, in the year of his appointment to Litch- 
field circuit. He afterwards travelled Columbia circuit, (N. 
Y.) His marriage, as usual in those days of the poverty of 
the church, led to his location. He resided more than twenty 
years in Cornwall, Litchfield county, Connecticut, where he 
continued to assist his Itinerant brethren as a faithful local 
preacher. He shared, also, their trials. He was summoned 
early one morning, before he was out of his bed, mth a writ, 
by a sheriff, for marrying a couple, and was saved fi-om a 
lodgment in jail only by the timely bail of a Christian brother. 
In 1817 he removed to Ohio, w^here he continued to preach 
with increased frequency. The exposure to which he was 
subjected in his preaching excursion, at last destroyed his 
health, and in 1826 he sunk into the repose of the grave, 
joyful in the hope of the first resurrection. On his dying 
bed, being asked how he was, he repHed, " I am near my 
Father's house." To his neighbors and friends, who often 
visited him, he spoke of the holy raptures of his soul, and of 
his cloudless prospect of the eternal inheritance which await- 
ed him. He admonished his family to be faithful to God, 
and rec[uested them to inform the absent members, " that he 



LEE AND HIS CO-LABORERS. 



109 



died in the faitJi.'^^ His last hours were relieved by special 
consolations and triumph ; when assured by his physician that 
his agonies (which were very severe) would soon end, he 
smiled, and exclaimed, Qlory to Q-odl I have a desire to 
depart and he with Christ.^' When his final hour arrived, 
he extended his almost lifeless hand to the bystanders, evi- 
dently for the purpose of having his family come near to 
him ; but he was unable to speak ; his countenance, shining 
with joy, expressed his emotions. He endeavored to close 
his own eyes, but failing to do so, clapped his hands in token 
of victory and triumph, and his soul fled to the bosom of 
God.* 

We turn our glance from these subordinate labors, not with- 
out a pensive sense of its unavoidable inadequacy, to the 
great champion of the arena. Lee was preparing, at the 
New York Conference, to return to his New England labors 
and struggles, but before he left, melancholy news arrived, 
informing him of the death of his sainted mother, whom he 
had not seen for two years and a half; he wept, was " con- 
fused in mind, scarcely knowing whether to return to New 
England or go home ; " but his missionary zeal prevailed ; he 
sent his brother to the afflicted family, " went with him to 
the ferry, stood and looked after him for a while, returned 
with a sorrowful heart," and, in less than a week, was sound- 
ing the evangelical trumpet again in the upfinished chapel, 
and receiving consolation in his sorrow, from the little band 
of disciples at Dantown, Conn. He also visited Stamford, 
Middlesex, Wilton, Redding, Newtown, Stratford, Putney, 
Milford, Wallingford, Middlefield, Middletown, South Farms, 
Weathersfield and Hartford, at the last of which places he 
formed a society. From Hartford he set out for Boston, and 

* Meth. Mag., vol. ix., 1826. 

10 



110 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



arrived there the 13th of November. The next day was 
Sundaj, but there was no place in which he could preach 
during the day. At night he addressed a small company in 
a private house. 

His reception in the Puritan city, at this time, was, if pos- 
sible, even more discouraging than at his previous visit. 
The description of it is chiUing. 

The following part of the week," says he, ''I met with 
great and heavy trials. I took much pains in trying to get 
a house to preach in ; but all in vain. A few of the friendly 
people made a Httle move also, but did not succeed. One of 
the greatest friends I had in the town when I was here be 
fore, did not come to see me now ; and when I went to see 
him, would scarcely take any notice of me. I met with 
difficulties and troubles daily, yet I put my trust in God, and 
in general, was confirmed in the opinion that God would 
bless my coming to Boston. I spent one evening with Mr. 
John Carnes, merchant, who treated me with great pohte- 
ness, and said he would assist me in any thing he could. 
The greater part of the week was wet, so that I could go out 
but little. My cry was, * Lord, help me.' " 

More than a week had thus passed, without affording a 
suitable house for preaching ; and the Common, his resort at 
Lis former visit, was too exposed to the inclemency of the 
season to admit of an assembly under its trees. On Monday, 
the 22d, he " tried every prudent means " to obtain a house, 
but in vain; he was discouraged, but comforts himself with a 
characteristic reflection : — Perhaps the Lord sees it best 
for me to be tried in this manner, tliougli it is ijainfulfor me 
to he so idle.'^ A second week passed without success, but 
a gleam of hope came from another quarter. 

" We had a letter," he says, from a gentleman in Lynn, 
who desired me to come and see him, and gave me some en- 



LEE AND II IS CO-LABOREKS. 



Ill 



couragement ; for he said he had a desire to hear some of 
the Methodists preach. I then began to think that the Lord 
was about opening a way for me to preach there. I made 
some inquiry about a place in Boston, and told some of my 
best friends, that if they could not get one, I would go my- 
self, and try and do the best that I could. I began to think 
the Lord would grant me my request, and provide me a place 
to preach in." 

He could not leave Boston without further efforts. " A 
man went with me to the high sheriff, and we asked for lib- 
erty to preach in the court-house. He said he could not give 
leave himself, but that the clerk of the court had the dis- 
posing of the house, and we must apply to him. So we went 
to the clerk, and told him what we wanted, but he very ab- 
ruptly refused. After hearing him talk awhile, we left him, 
and I felt more discouraged than ever ; yet if I am right, 
the Lord will provide for me. 

" Thursday, 2d of December. At night one of my friends 
came home with me, and told me he had used every means 
he could to get a particular school-house for me to preach in, 
but had at last received a plain denial, and it was given up. 
This, with all the other denials, bore pretty heavy upon my 
mind, and I began to doubt again whether I ought to be in 
this place or not." 

More than four weeks had passed in these useless en- 
deavors to obtain a place for preaching ; it was time to look 
elsewhere. " On Monday," he writes, " I left Boston, and 
went in the stage to Benjamin Johnson's, in Lynn, about 
twelve miles. I got there little after dark, and was very 
gladly received by him and his family. I felt as though I 
was at home, as soon as I arrived. I had not been there 
long, before he expressed a desire of having a Methodist 
society set up in the town, though he had not heard a Method- 



112 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



ist preach for nearly twenty years. In tins place I found 
several persons that had heard some of our preachers m the 
South, in past years. Some of the people consider it as a 
very favorable Providence, that I have come to Lynn at this 
time, and they hid me welcome with a cheerful heart." 

The next day the news of his arrival was spread through 
the village, and in the evening he preached, at Mr. Johnson's 
house, the first sermon ever delivered by a Methodist preacher 
in Lynn. His text was : " For God sent not his Son into the 
world to condemn the world ; but that the world, through 
him, might be saved." " I had," he says, " a good many 
hearers, and great freedom in preaching. I bore a public 
testimony against unconditional election and reprobation, and 
maintained that Christ died for all men, without respect to 
persons. I felt much of the power and love of God, and 
earnestly begged the people to turn from their sins, and come 
to Christ. The hearers were very attentive, and a few of 
them seemed to be somewhat affected." "Bless the Lord, 

0 my soul," he adds, "for bringing me among this people." 
" Monday, 20. I spent the day at Mr. Johnson's, and in 

the evening rode to Mr. Lye's, at Wood-End, about one mile ; 
and at dark I preached on Gal. 6 : 7. The house was well 
filled with people ; a considerable number of aged persons 
were present, and several of the Quakers were there. I felt 
a great enlargement of heart, and much of the divine pres- 
ence, whilst I was warning the people not to be deceived. 
The presence of God was in the assembly ; some of the 
hearers appeared to be greatly hfted up with love and thank- 
fulness. 0, that God may continue these serious impressions 
on their minds, till they are brought to the knowledge of God. 

1 have not met with a company of people for a long time 
that had so much the appearance of a Methodist congrega- 
tion as this." 



LEE AND HIS CO-LABORERS. 113 

His friends at Lynn wished to form a Methodist society 
immediatelj, but leaving with them copies of the General 
Rules, and directing them to reflect longer on their proposi- 
tions, he returned again to Boston, determined not to aban- 
don it without a further struggle. Pecuniary embarrassments 
were added to his other vexations, but he was not to be dis- 
couraged. " When I arrived in Boston," he remarks, " every 
thing appeared as dark as when I left it, respecting my 
preaching. I had to get a new boarding place. When I 
settled my past boardmg, I had two shillings and a penny 
left, which was all that I had. Some days before, I felt con- 
cerned about my purse, not knowing that there was enough 
in it to discharge the debt due for my board. I was unwilling 
to let the people know that my money was just gone, for fear 
they should think it was money only that I was after. But 
I soon felt confidence in God, that he would provide for me, 
though I knew not how. However, a man in Lynn offered 
to buy a Magazine that I had for my own use. I very will- 
ingly parted with it, and by that means was enabled to dis- 
charge the debt. And if I can always have two shillings by 
me, beside paying all I owe, I think I shall be satisfied." 

Such discouragements would have been insupportable to 
any ordinary man, but, though among strangers, repulsed on 
every hand, reduced to but two shillings, he could not be 
driven from the city. He lingered," says his biographer, 
" until he bore his testimony for Jesus. His preaching was 
not in vain in the Lord. Some were touched under the 
Word, and brought to feel the force of divine truth. And 
let the Methodists of Boston, who now enjoy such distinguish- 
ed privileges, recollect that they are indebted, under the 
blessing of God, to the indefatigable perseverance of Jesse 
Lee, amidst neglect and insults, for their first estabhshment," 
10* 



114 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

The remainder of this year, and the year following, until 
the latter part of the month of May, his labors were princi- 
pally in the following places, viz., Boston, Lynn,Marblehead, 
Danvers, Manchester, Beverly, Cape Ann Harbor, Ipswich 
and Salem. 

On the 20th February, 1791, he formed the first Methodist 
society of Massachusetts, in Lynn. It consisted of eight 
persons.* On the 2Tth of the same month, it amounted to 
twenty-nine members, and in the ensuing month of May more 
than seventy persons took certificates of their attendance on 
his ministry — a measure rendered necessary by the laws of 
that day, in order to secure them from taxation for the sup- 
port of the clergy of the " standing order." On the 14th 
of June, they began the erection of the first Methodist church 
in Massachusetts. It was raised on the 21st of the same 
month, and dedicated on the 26th. They entered it for pub- 
lic worship in less than tvfo weeks from the day on which its 
foundation was laid. It may w^ell be supposed that it was 
not finished with much fastidiousness. It was, in fact, but 
the shell of a frame building. 

Lynn now became his head quarters, until his departure 
to the next Conference at New York. His excursions from 
it were, however, incessant, and in all directions. He kept 
a steady eye on Boston. " On Monday, 18th of April," he 
says, " I rode to Boston, and at night, in a private house at 
the North End, I preached on 1 Cor., 15 : 33. I had more 
hearers than I commonly have at this place, and they were 
very attentive. I beheve the Word reached some of their 
hearts. 

" Tuesday, 19th. I tarried in town, and at night, at the 
same place, I preached on Gal. 3:9:* The just shall live by 



' ♦ Lee's History of Methodism . 



LEE AND HIS CO-LABOEEKS. 



115 



faith.' We had much of the divine presence among us. I felt 
much inward peace, and increase of faith. The people were 
more affected than they have generally been in this house ; they 
expressed a greater regard for me, and appeared to be more 
friendly than usual. I am still led to hope that the Lord 
will open the hearts of these people to attend the word spoken 
by the Methodists ; but let the Lord work by whom he will." 

The hope was not an illusion ; but the time was not yet. 

On Monday, the 9th of May, he took his leave of Lynn 
for the New York Conference. I met," he says, " the 
men's class in Lynn, in the morning, and they seemed lively 
and very humble. We had a sorrowful parting. It is not 
quite five months since I first preached in this place, and 
there are now in society fifty-eight members. About 10 
o'clock, the men who generally attend on my preaching, 
came to me and obtained certificates, to show that they at- 
tended pubhc worship with the Methodists, and contributed to 
the support of their ministry. After dinner I prayed with 
those that were present, and then bid them all farewell, and 
set out for Conference at New York." 

About seven months had passed since the preceding Con- 
ference.* Mr. Lee had made a strong impression in the 
region of Boston, Lynn, Salem, Ipswich, Newburyport, &c. 
Only a single society, however, had been formed — the one 
at Lynn. An extensive circuit had, nevertheless, been in- 
vested with posts of regular labor, and Boston itself, though 
no society was formed there till the next year, had given a 
humble place to the indomitable evangehst — one which, how- 
ever dubious its prospects might have appeared, could never 
again be wrested from a man of his vigor. He went to 
the Conference, then, reporting one circuit, one chapel, one 



* Conferences, at that early period, were not limited to annual sessions. 



116 



MEMORIALS OP METHODISM. 



society, and 58 members. His colleagues, in the west of 
New England, had been cheered by visible success. Six 
circuits were reported, bearing New England names. * The 
returns of members in society, on these circuits, exhibited an 
aggregate of 481, f a gain of 300 on the returns made eight 
months before. The good seed so widely sown and laboriously 
cultivated, had taken root, and was already bearing fruit. 
The experiment of Methodism in New England was deter- 
mined. Thenceforth was the new denomination to take 
rank among the Christian bodies of the Puritan States ; 
spreading, as we have since seen it, the principles of a milder 
theology and a livelier piety through their length and breadth. 



* Kingston, which is included in Mr. Lee's district, in the Minutes this year, and would 
appears therefore, a seventh, was in Upper Canada. 

■\ One, at least, of these circuits, reached into New York. Our ecclesiastical geography 
then, as now, disclaimed all regard to the civil divisions of the land, and is, therefore, 
involved in confusion. 



CHAPTER VII. 



lee's CO-LABOREES in new ENGLAND, IN 

1T91-2. 

Plan of Labors — Matthias Swaim — James Covel — Aaron Hunt — Religious Condition 
of New England — John Allen - Lemuel Smith — Menzies Kainor — Robert Green 
— Locations. 

We have traced Lee and his fellow laborers down to the 
end of the ecclesiastical year, 1790-1. 

On the 26th of May,* 1791, the Conference assembled in 
New York city. The minutes report the following plan of 
appointments in New England, for the year. Jesse Lee, 
Elder ; Litchfield, Matthias Swaim, James Covel ; Fairfield, 
Nathaniel B. Mills, Aaron Hunt ; Middlefields, John Allen, 
George Roberts ; Hartford, Lemuel Smith, Menzies Rainor ; 
Stochlridge, Robert Green ; Lynn, John Bloodgood, Daniel 
Smith. One district — six circuits — four in Connecticut, 
and two in Massachusetts — with eleven circuit preachers 
and one Presiding Elder, constituted the ministerial corps 
and field of Methodism in New England, for the year 1791. 



*Not the 26th of June, as the Mem. of Lee states. 



118 



MEMOEIALS OF METHODISM. 



Stockbridge is tlie name of a new circuit in Massacliiisetts, 
reported tMs year for the first time. Middlefields,* Conn, 
appears, also, for the first time — a new name, probably, for 
one of the circuits reported the preceding year. Boston cir- 
cuit of the last year, changes its name to Lynn in the present 
Minutes. 

As we re-cast our eye over this list of the pioneer laborers 
of Methodism in the East, we cannot repress the repeated 
expression of our regret that from the deficiency of the con- 
temporary records of the church, names which should be so 
precious m its memory must remain in its annals, like those 
fixed stars of our firmament, the remoteness of which occa- 
sions alike our ignorance of their conditions, and their stead- 
fastness of position and brHhancy. 

We have already given what slight information we could 
glean respecting a few of them. The extent of our know- 
ledge of the remamder is still more limited. Of Matthias 
SwAiM we can ascertain nothing, except the designation of 
his places of labor, in the Minutes. He entered the Itin- 
erant ministry in 1790, and was appointed to the New 
Rochelle (N. Y.) circuit, with William Phoebus and Jacob 
Brush. The next year he labored in New England, on the 
Litchfield (Conn.) circuit. He was removed, the ensuing 
year, to Saratoga circuit, (N. Y.,) where he contiaued two 
years, after which we find him on Columbia circuit, (N. Y.) 
In 1795, he travelled Newburg circuit, (N. J. ;) in 1796, 
he is returned as located, and appears no more in the roll of 
the " noble army" of Itinerant evangehsts who were extend- 
ing Methodism through the land. 

* We do not find the name of this circuit in either Lee's or Bangs' History for the year 
1791 ; but it is in the Minutes, both among the appointments and in the census of numbers. 
In the latter, 62 are assigned to it, a larger number than on Lynn, Stockbridge, or Hart- 
ford circuits. We suppose, therefore, that it is a previous circuit newly named. Tho 
name of New Haven disappears this year. 



lee's co-laborers. 



119 



James Covel, Ms colleague on LitcMeld circuit, entered 
the travelling ministry the present year. After laboring one 
year on Litchfield circuit, he was removed to Otsego, (N. 
Y.) In 1793 he was again in New England, travelling the 
Pittsfield circuit, with the devoted Zadok Priest. The follow- 
ing year he was re-appointed to Litchfield. In 1795 he was 
sent eastward to Marblehead, where he married. In those 
days, when little or no provision was made by the church for 
the support of the families of preachers, to marry was virtu- 
ally to locate ; hence we find Mr. Covel but one year longer 
in the Itinerant ranks. He labored in 1796 at Lynn, and 
then disappears from the Minutes. Those were times," 
says one Avho witnessed them, " to try men's souls." Many 
of the preachers were useful, and carried their good influ- 
ence to their graves ; others located, through necessity. An 
unreasonable prejudice prevailed among our people against 
the marriage of preachers, and no provisions were made for 
families.* 

Aaron Hunt was born in Eastchester, "Westchester coun- 
ty, New York, March 28, 1768. Living between the lines 
of the two contending parties in the Revolutionary war, he 
was brought into contact with crime of almost every kind, 
yet such was the fear of God in his young mind, that he 
was mercifully preserved from the prevailing evils of the 
times. When near seventeen years of age, he went to 
New York city, and was employed as clerk in a store by a 
distant relative. " There I prided myself," he says, " in 
just dealing and good morals, and generally attended divine 
worship in the Protestant Episcopal Church, where the doc- 
trine taught confirmed me in the belief that all rehgion con- 



* Letter of Rev. E. Mudge to the Writer. 



120 MEMOEIALS OF METHODISM. 

sisted in morals and ordinances.''^ * Wlien about nineteen 
years of age, he attended a meeting in the old John 
Street Church, and heard, for the first time, a Methodist 
preacher. " He so explained and enforced the word of 
God," remarks Mr. Hunt, " as to convince me that I had no 
religion." He sought it earnestly, and when about twenty- 
one years of age, after deep convictions and anxiety, he 
found redemption in the blood of Christ, even the forgive- 
ness of sins. He now felt an ardent desire for the salvation 
of others, and began to speak and pray in social meetings. 
But to give up flattering prospects in business, and enter the 
Itinerant ministry, required a sore conflict. " However," he 
adds, " I felt woe is me if I preach not the gospel, and I 
plainly saw that the Itinerant plan was the more excellent 
w^ay of doing good." In the winter of 1790-1, " encour- 
aged by that dear man of God, Jacob Brush, Presiding 
Elder of the New York district," he went on to Long Island 
circuit, with "VVilham Pho2bus. " This circuit extended from 
Brooklyn, (where we had a small class, and preached in a 
private house,) over a very considerable part of the island." 
In May, 1791, he was admitted on trial in the New York 
Conference, and appointed to Fairfield circuit. Conn., in 
company with Rev. N. B. Mills, " a man small in stature, 
intelHgent, sound, an able preacher, and rather inclined to 
dejection." Fairfield circuit included the whole of the county 
of that name, and some places in its vicinity. In 1792, he 
was appointed to Middletown circuit. It included Middlesex, 
and a great part of New Haven counties. This year his 
Presiding Elder directed him to cross the Connecticut River, 
to " break up new ground." From East Hartford he passed 
to Enfield, Springfield, Wilbraham, &c., and thence into 



* Letter to the Writer. 



lee's co-labobers. 121 

Windham county, preaching in Pomfret, Mansfield, and 
several of the adjacent towns, " generally," he remarks, " to 
good congregations ; though at one appointment, where I had 
been directed by Jesse Lee, I had no congregation, nor 
would the gentleman on whom I called suffer me to stay in 
his house. I had to ride several miles in the darkness of 
the night to a public house. A kind Providence witnessed 
my prayers and tears, and overruled this for good. The inn- 
keeper invited me to stay and preach in his ball room the 
next day. I did so ; the congregation was so large that we 
adjourned to the meeting-house, and I preached to them with 
great liberty. In this tour I preached in many places not 
before visited by any Methodist preacher. We did not wait 
to be invited, in those days, but sowed the seed of the king- 
dom wherever we could. As by our excellent economy my 
brethren soon succeeded me, good societies were formed in 
many places." At the Tolland Conference, Aug. 12, 1793, 
Bishop Asbury gave him Deacon's orders, and appointed him 
again to Fairfield circuit. There he found several of his 
spiritual children, and met with a cordial reception. In 
September, 1794, Conference met again, but being un- 
well, he did not attend. He sent on a request by a brother for 
a location. By some inadvertance, his name was wholly 
omitted in the Minutes, so that he did not receive his certifi- 
cate of location till the next Conference, when his name ap- 
pears on the Minutes as located. Meanwhile he continued 
to labor as he had strength, preaching on the Sabbath, and 
frequently on week days. Plis health improved so that on the 
18th of January, 1800, he resumed the duties of an Itinerant 
preacher. In June following, he received Elder's orders, at 
the Conference in New York, and was appointed to Litchfield 
circuit, then about two hundred miles in circumference. 
About this period he located his family on a small farm on 
11 



122 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



Redding, Connecticut, and gave himself fully to the work 
of the ministry, though with great sacrifice of domestic 
comfort. At that time the laws of the State exempted 
all property belonging to ministers of the gospel from 
State and town taxes ; some of the parish pastors held 
large farms, and though occupied by their sons, &c., were 
empted. Demands, however, were made on Mr. Hunt, as on 
other citizens. He remonstrated, claiming the privilege of a 
clergyman, but promptly paid his tax the first year. The 
following year the bill was presented, with an understanding 
that if payment was refused, a four-fold tax would be collect- 
ed, according to law. The town authorities admitted that he 
was a minister of the gospel, but thought him not included 
in the provisions of the act, because not settled over a parish. 
Considering this application of the law unequal and unjust, 
he presented a petition to the State legislature for himself 
and his brethren in the ministry. When the petition was 
read before the house, many of the members spurned it, and 
it was laid on the table ; but as more liberal principles had 
begun to prevail in the State, and he had itinerated as a 
miftister of the gospel through a great part of it, the mem- 
bers consulted on the subject out of doors, and knowing that 
the rejection of the petition w^ould be unpopular in the com- 
munity, they modified it by striking out what related to his 
brethren, and restricted the privilege to himself only, — 
thus it passed without any opposition, a remarkable concession 
to the popularity of a single individual. This placed him on an 
equality with settled ministers, and gave him a legal right to 
perform the marriage ceremony, which was denied his breth- 
ren of equal standing in the church, as in the case of Rev. 
George Roberts, who had been prosecuted and fined in JMid- 
dletown, for assunung it. At the Conference of 1801, he 
received a dispensation from regular work, for domestic con- 



lee's co-laboeers. 



123 



siderations ; hence, his name was retained on the Minutes 
■vrithout an appointment ; still he labored extensively in differ- 
ent places during that year. In 1802 he was appointed to 
New London circuit, which then extended from the Thames 
to the Connecticut river. " Here we had," he says, " some 
excellent, though small societies, especially in New London 
and Norwich, with whom and my highly esteemed colleague, 
Michael Coate, I enjoyed great satisfaction and many happy 
seasons." 

The next two years he labored on New Rochelle cir- 
cuit, (N. Y.,) and during the following two in New 
York city. A most remarkable revival of religion, such 
as had never been known before in that city, prevailed 
through these two years, during which the custom of 
inviting mourners to the altar for prayer was first introduced 
by Mr. Hunt, in order to prevent the confusion which 
resulted from the former practice of praying for them 
in all parts of the chapel. In 1807 he returned to New 
England, and travelled Litchfield circuit. The insuing 
three years, he had charge of the Rhinebeck (N. Y.) Dis- 
trict ; the next three he spent in New England, on Redding 
and Middletown circuits, (Conn.) Returning to the State 
of New York, in 1814, he travelled Acton circuit two years, 
after which we find him again in Connecticut, on the Stam- 
ford circuit — the first New England appointment of Jesse 
Lee. Thence he passed, in 1817, to Bridgeport, (Conn.) 
In 1818 he labored on Courtland circuit, (N. Y.,) and the 
following year in New York city, with a band of colleagues, 
most of whose names are familiar in the history of the 
church ; among them were Samuel Merwin, Laban Clark, B. 
Hibbard, and Tobias Spicer. He continued in the city two 
years, at the expiration of which time he returned to New 
England, and travelled Redding circuit, (Conn.,) as colleague 



124 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



of the venerable Laban Clark. After laboring there two 
years, he was returned as Supernumerary, but continued to 
move to and fro, preaching as he was able. Four years he 
spent in this relation, on different circuits in Connecticut. 

He still lives, at the advanced age of 79, rejoicing over 
the results of those extensive and varied labors which he shar- 
ed with the pioneers of Methodism in New England, and look- 
ing with cheerful hope for the summons to join in heaven his 
old comrades in the warfare of the faith. His Hfe is a strik- 
ing example of the travels, labors, and changes of the early 
Itinerancy. Of his excellent character we are not permitted 
to speak, suffice it to say that he is an eminent example of 
that unblemished and fragrant reputation which distinguishes 
most of the retired veterans of our cause — respected, venera- 
ted and loved by all who knew him. 

Of the religious condition of New England when the Meth- 
odist ministry entered it, he gives the following opinion : — 
" Some have asserted that the effects of the ' great awaken- 
ing ' prepared, more or less, the way for the doctrines of 
Justification by Eaith, Sanctification, the Witness of the 
Spirit, &c., as preached by the Methodists ; but to this I 
cannot accede. Fifty years had passed, since that time, be 
fore our entrance into this field. The Revolutionary war 
had absorbed all minds ; owing to this cause, and the prev- 
alent doctrines, especially that of final perseverance, we 
scarcely found a vestige of personal religious experience 
among the people. I conversed with respectable Congrega- 
tional ministers on subjects of experimental piety, who as- 
serted that no one could Imow his sins forgiven in the present 
life. To enter into covenant relation with the church, and 
attend to the ordinances, was the way to obtain a hope, and 
any who professed more than this were stigmatized as enthu- 
siasts. Hence we were opposed not only by infidels and Uni- 



lee's co-laborers. 



125 



versalists, but also by our Calvinistic brethren, wbo consider- 
ed us intruders, warning their people against us as deceivers, 
frequently after our preaching, and sometimes interrupting 
us while preaching. We had to contend earnestly for the 
faith and truths of the Gospel. However, we continued to 
preach the knowledge of salvation by the remission of sins, 
imtil witnesses of its truth were raised up in many places. 
A spirit of inquiry was awakened, and Hght increased, so 
that our Congregational brethren (who were always willing 
to receive our converts into their churches) soon began to 
preach the necessity of a change of heart. Our fields of la- 
bor in those days were properly missionary, though we had 
not the security of temporal support which missionaries have 
at the present day. Several of our talented brethren, see- 
ing no prospect of a competent support for their families, left 
the Itinerant field for other churches, and other business, 
though but few of them succeeded well. I am approximat- 
ing the completion of my fourscore years, and my interest in 
the prosperity of our Zion is not abated, nor do I regret the 
toils and privations of those early days. I only grieve that 
I have not done more and better for the interests of Christ's 
kingdom. The great atonement made for sin, and the con- 
sequent sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit, are my only 
hope of future and eternal rest." 

John Allen began his ministerial travels in 1788, and 
was appointed to Montgomery circuit, Maryland, under the 
care of Rev. Nelson Reed. The next year we trace him to 
Hartford circuit, in the same State. In 1790 he labored on 
Baltimore circuit. He was a man of extraordinary power in 
the pulpit, and was therefore deemed specially quahfied to 
co-operate with Lee in arousing the New England churches. 
He left Maryland — the point from which most of the pio- 
neer preachers of Methodism in New England took their 
11* 



126 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

marcli — and entering the new eastern field in 1791, was ap- 
pointed to Middlefields circuit. Conn., with tlie noble minded 
Roberts. In 1792 be was alone on the newly formed Need- 
ham circuit, Mass., and here terminated his connection with 
the laborious, sufiermg, but prevaihng phalanx of his Itine- 
rant colleagues. In the next IMinutes he is reported as 
withdrawn. "He was," says one who heard and knew him, 
" a Boanerges, at first. I never heard his equal in rolling 
out the terrors of Sinai. In early life he had a view to the 
medical profession. After spending a few years as an Itine- 
rant, he wished rest and worldly accommodation." * He be- 
came a Congregationalist preacher, some time after a Univer- 
salist, and at last settled in the practice of medicine. The 
last glimpse we have been able to get of him, was an inter- 
view which he accidentally had on the highway with a veter- 
an Itinerant, one of his old feUow laborers, who received from 
him the continued avowal of his erroneous opinions, and part- 
ed from him with a last admonition and afiectmg remem- 
brances of other days. 

Lemuel Smith joined the Itinerant ranks in 1788, and 
continued in their struggles and toils for eight years. His 
first appointment was on Cambridge circuit, (N. Y.) In 1789 
he was colleague to the excellent Peter Moriarty, on the 
New RocheUe circuit, (N. Y.) The next year we find him 
on New Lebanon circuit, (N. Y.) In 1791 he was sent to 
Hartford, (Conn.,) with Menzies Rainor. The ensuing year 
he travelled alone the first circuit formed in Rhode Island. 
We trace him thence to Litchfield, in company with the in- 
domitable Ostrander, in 1793 ; to ToUand, with Pickering, 
in 1794 ; and to Granville, in 1795. The next year he is 
reported among the located. 



* Private letter to the Writer. 



lee's co-laborers. 



127 



Menzies Rai'nor is also one among the many who, in those 
days, as in the present, having put their hand to the plough, 
turned back, through either impatience with its fatigues, de- 
clension of zeal, or the domestic privations which the extend- 
ed journies and scanty pecuniary provision of the Itinerancy 
at that time imposed. He entered the ministry in 1790, and 
travelled Duchess (N. Y.) circuit with Peter Moriarty, un- 
der the superintendence of Freeborn Garret tson. The next 
year he was, as we have seen, the colleague of Lemuel Smith, 
at Hartford. In 1792 he labored at Lynn. Subsequently 
he travelled respectively the Elizabethtown (N. J.) and 
Middletown (Conn.) circuits, and 1795 withdrew from the 
Conference, and afterwards from the church. He was a 
young man of promise, and very acceptable among the peo- 
ple as a preacher. Having engaged himself to marry a 
young lady whose family was unwilling that she should share 
his privations as an Itinerant he chose the alternative of res- 
signing his ministerial post. It was done with deliberation, 
with frank notification of his purpose to his Presiding Elder, 
Rev. George Roberts, and with the avowal of undiminished 
confidence in the doctrines and discipline of Methodism. 
He soon entered the Protestant Episcopal Church, and sub- 
sequently became a Universalist, " giving an example," says 
one who shared his Itinerant trials, " of the dangerous con- 
sequences of leaving the work to which we are called, for 
worldly advantages." 

Robert Green joined the Itinerancy in 1788. He 
also was from Maryland, and travelled, the first year of his 
ministerial life, on Montgomery circuit, in that State, with 
John Alien, whom he afterwards accompanied to New 
England. In 1789 and '90, he travelled successively two 
circuits in Maryland, under the superintendence of Rev. 
Nelson Reed. In 1791 he came to the assistance of the 



128 



MEMOKIALS OF METHODISM. 



little band of pioneers in the East, and was appointed to the 
newlj-formed circuit of Stockbridge, Mass. As usual in 
those days, he was rapidly transferred in all directions. 
We trace him the next year to Albany, thence to Columbia, 
(N. Y.,) thence to Cambridge, (N. Y.,) and the next year 
(1795) back again to New England, on Pittsfield circuit ; 
again to Albany, where he continued two years, and thence 
to Newberg, (N. J.,) where also he labored two years. 
The ensuing year (1800) he is reported among the " locat- 
ed," and disappears from our view. 

Of the fourteen preachers who had thus far entered New 
England, but two, so far as we can ascertain, either changed 
their denominational relations or apostatized. The others aU 
continued till death in their laborious ministry, or located, 
" through weakness of body or family concerns." The great 
proportion of the Methodist preachers of that day, through- 
out the nation, were compelled sooner or later to retire into 
the local ranks, by the necessities of their famihes, or the 
prostration of their health through extraordinary labors. Of 
about 650 who belonged to the Itinerant ministry, prior to 
1800, about 500 died located, or continue so yet, besides 
the many who, after an interval of few or many years 
spent in the local ranks, re-entered the " travelling connec- 
tion." Most of those, however, who were constrained to re- 
tire from the regular ministry, continued to preach laborious- 
ly while " working with their own hands " for bread, and 
have done inestimable service in fortifying, locally, our 
cause. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



LEE AND ASBURY IN NEW ENGLAND, IN 
1791-2. 

Loe returna to the East — Preaches at Marblehead — Ipswich — Lynn — Excursion into 
Now Hampshire — Preaches in Portsmouth — Newburyport — Windham — Needham 
— Excur!>ion to Rhode Island — Excursion to Western New England — View of his La- 
bors — Asbury enters New England — His incessant Preaching — Scenes at Stepney — 
Stratford — Nevv Haven — Middletown — Newport — Providence — Boston — Lynn — 
His return Westward — Results of the Year. 

Let us now turn again to the leader of the New England 
phalanx. Lee was appointed, as we have seen, Presiding 
Elder with a District which comprehended the whole Method- 
ist interest in New England, and the recently formed circuit 
of Kingston, in Upper Canada. He devoted his attention, 
however, chiefly to the region of the Atlantic coast, visiting 
hut once the societies in Connecticut. By the latter part of 
July, he was again at Lynn. On Sunday, the 31st of that 
month, he preached twice at this his favorite appointment, 
and in the evening at Marhlehead. Of the latter place he 
says : — "At six o'clock, I preached on Luke 16 : 31 : ^ If 
they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be 
persuaded, though one rose from the dead.' I found much 

129 



130 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

satisfaction in mj omi mind, while I was teacliing tlie people, 
and there was some appearance of religion in their looks and 
behavior. There is a considerable stir in this town, respect- 
ing the sentiments of the Methodists, and a great many wish 
us to depart out of their coasts ; but the more the Hon roars, 
the more I am encouraged." 

During the same week, he preached in Salem, Manchester, 
and Appleton in the old parish of Ipswich. In the latter 
place he met with one of those instances of the usefulness of 
his ministry which so frequently occurred to cheer him in his 
incessant labors. When I got there," he says, the woman 
of the house met me at the door, and began to weep, and 
said she had fomid the Lord precious to her soul ; that she 
was deeply affected by my preaching when I was round two 
weeks before ; and that when she heard me the last evening, 
she was so distressed that she could not rest, and returned 
home, crying to the Lord to have mercy upon her, till about 
2 o'clock in the morning, at which time the Lord set her soul 
at hberty. She was well satisfied that her sins were forgiven. 
She then added, ' let others say what they wiU against you, 
I bless the Lord that I ever heard your voice ! ' " 

The next day he was back again at Lynn, and on the day 
following (Sabbath) preached, with great effect, to a full 
and weeping audience, several of whom he baptized, and 
afterwards administered the Lord's Supper to nearly fifty 
communicants. The httle flock " at this place was rapidly 
increasing. Its influence had been felt already in the upper 
tillage. Two classes had been formed there, of which he 
speaks ni the following terms — " We met the women's class 
at Wood End, at 5 o'clock ; several were under deep con- 
viction, and wept bitterly while I spoke to them. One had 
lately been converted, and seemed lost in wonder, love and 
praise. We met the men's class at night, and had several 



LEE AND ASBURY. 131 



persons among us that did not belong to it ; some of tliem 
were deeply distressed, and seemed to be determined never 
to rest till their souls were converted.'* 

Cheered by these favorable indications, he extended his la- 
bors in every direction. In about one week he was on his 
way to New Hampshire. We have, however, notices of his 
visits to but two places in that State during this excursion. 
On the 26th August, I rode," he says, " to Greenland, in 
New Hampshire State, and dined at Dr. Marsh's ; then rode 
to Portsmouth, and put up at Mr. Walton's, who is a Separ 
ratist minister. We had a meeting in a private house. At 
his request, I preached on Psa. 1:6. I found it to be a 
time of much life and love, and some of the people appeared 
much affected. When meeting was ended, some of the peo- 
ple blessed God for our meeting." 

On his way back he preached, Sept. 2, in the evening, at 
Newburyport. " The house," he says, " was greatly crowded, 
in every part ; the hearers were very attentive, and I spoke 
with more than commom liberty ; I felt a love for precious 
souls, and maintained that Christ had died for all ; and that 
the Lord was willing to save them all. I bore a pubhc testi- 
mony against particular election, and showed the cruelty of 
absolute reprobation. The Lord seemed to open the hearts 
of the people to receive the truths that were delivered. 

" Friday, 23. I rode to Windham, and at Josiah Sweet's, 
at night, I preached on Phil. 1 : 22 : ' For me to live is 
Christ, and to die is gain.' This is the first time that a 
Methodist ever preached in the town. I had a good congre- 
gation, and some of them were much affected by the Word. 
/ think the time is near when the work of the Lord will begin 
to revive in this part of the world, and if the Lord work by 
us, our good mistaken brethren will be brought to say, ' Send, 
Lord, by whom thou wilt send.' " 



132 



MEMORIALS OF 



METHODISM. 



On the 6th of the next month he preached the first Meth- 
odist sermon in Needham, with much interest, which was 
shared fully by the people. They entreated him to tarry 
longer, and revisit them often. , He was on another errand, 
however, and could not delay. "We have already recorded 
his flying tour through Rhode Island, the preceding year. 
He was now on his way thither again, to ascertain the effects 
of those labors, and the practicability of forming a circuit in 
that State, at the ensuing Conference. Leaving Needham 
the next day, he arrived in Providence by the same night, and 
preached the following evening. The ensuing day he rode 
to his friend, Gen. Lippet's, at Cranston, and " was very 
kindly received," and on Friday, the 11th, he preached at 
the General's " with more than usual comfort." " My 
heart," he says, " was drawn out in love and pity towards my 
hearers. In this place the people know but little of the life 
and power of religion, and it is very seldom that they can 
get to any place of public worship. Seeing how destitute 
they are of the preaching of the gospel, I was brought again 
to pray earnestly that the Lord would send forth more labor- 
ers into the vineyard." 

His visits and consultations in Rhode Island led him to pro- 
ject a circuit in that State, which, as w^e shall by and by see, 
was recognized by the next Conference, and included most of 
those beautiful villages on the shores of Providence River 
and Narraganset Bay that now sustain Methodist churches. 

Again he returned to Lynn, but on his arrival found Rev. 
R. Bonsai, " just come from New York to preach the gospel 
in these parts." * Mr. Lee could now be spared from the 

* Mr. Bonsai, it seems, tarried but a few months in New England. His name was 
never among the Eastern appointments. The next year he labored at Annapolis, Mary- 
land. 



LEE AND ASBUBY. 



133 



circuit. Leaving it, therefore, in tlie care of Messrs. Smith 
and Bonsai, he immediately departed, proclaiming the gospel 
of " the kingdom," through the interior of Massachusetts 
and Connecticut — preaching at Boston, Needham, Sterling, 
and Wilbraham, in the former, and Enfield, East Windsor, 
Middlefield, Derby, Oxford, Newtown, Redding, Dantown, 
Middlesex, Wilton, Stratford, Hartford, Tolland, EUington, 
and numerous other places in the latter. He found a prosper- 
ous Society formed at Enfield, and a visible improvement in 
the various appointments which he had established while la- 
boring in Connecticut. " I see," he says, " that the Lord 
has prospered his work among the Methodists since I visited 
this part of the vineyard." 

Such were the excursions of this extraordinary man, for a 
little more than one month, (33 days,) during which he 
travelled 517 miles, and preached forty sermons. " I have 
reason," he says, on his return to Lynn, to hope that the 
Lord has given me fresh strength and courage to go forward 
in his ways." During the last fourteen months, he had 
preached 321 sermons, besides delivering 24 pubhc exhorta- 
tions, and making almost continual journeys into New Hamp- 
shire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, and 
still he exclaims, " Forward ! " with " fresh strength and 
courage." 

A great man, both in word and deed, was this apostle of 
Methodism in the East, but a greater than he also passed 
through these same regions, during the period under review 
— a man whose ministerial labors and travels have scarcely 
been paralleled since the days of St. Paul, — not even in the 
history of the tireless Wesley. The apostolic Bishop of 
Methodism, Francis Asbury, entered Connecticut on the 4th 
of June, 1791.* Though most repulsive vexations attended 



* Asbury '8 Journa], Anno. 1791. 

12 



134 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

his visit, Ms notices of the country are expressive of that 
hopefulness which usually characterizes great minds — minds 
conscious of the energy that secures great results. On ar- 
riving at Eedding, where Lee had formed his second class in 
Connecticut, he exclaims : ■ — "I feel faith to believe that 
this visit to New England will be blest to my own soul, and 
the souls of others. We are now in Connecticut, and never 
out of sight of a house, and sometimes we have a view of 
many churches and steeples, built very neatly of wood. I 
do feel as if there had been religion in this country once ; 
and I apprehend there is a little in form and theory left. 
There may have been a praying ministry and people here, 
but I fear they are now spiritually dead, and am persuaded 
that family and private prayer is very little practiced. Could 
these people be brought to constant, fervent prayer, the Lord 
would come down and work wonderfully among them. I 
find my mind fixed on God, and the work of God." He 
preached at Redding, on the Sabbath, with much satisfaction, 
and rode, the same day, to Newtown, where, though " sick and 
weary," he again ascended the pulpit. He moved on, with- 
out cessation, preaching, as was his wont, wherever an op- 
portunity offered — in churches, when allowed ; where these 
were denied, in town-houses, and where these were closed, in 
private houses. The next day after his labors at Redding and 
Newtown, he passed to Stepney, and delivered, in a private 
house, an awakening and melting exhortation. Thence he 
went, the same day, to Chestnui>hill, where, though he was 
not expected, word was sent round among the neighbors, and 
he addressed the hastily gathered assembly ; but finding, by 
the time he had closed with prayer, that many others had 
arrived, he resumed the exercises, and " exhorted again, for 
about forty minutes." Thence he drove on, some miles fur- 
ther, and in the evening " had a small family meeting," at 



LEE AND ASBURY. 



135 



wMcli he preached. Such is but a specimen of the daily 
course of this truly wonderful man, not only in New Eng- 
land, but through the length and breadth of the nation, and 
through nearly half a century of his life. 

The next day, 7th, he arrived at Stratford, the town in 
which Lee formed his first New England society. The time 
of trials had not yet passed. " Good news !" he exclaims, in 
a manner characteristic of himself, " they have voted that 
the town-house shall be shut. Well, where shall we preach ? 
Some of the selectmen, one at least, granted access. I felt 
unwilling to go, as it is always my way not to push myself 
into any pubHc house. We had close work on Isaiah 55 : 6, 
7. Some smiled, some laughed, some swore, some talked, 
some prayed, some wept. Had it been a house of our own, 
I should not have been surprised had the windows been 
broken. I refused to preach there any more, and it was well 
I did — two of the Esquires were quite displeased at our 
admittance. We met the class, and found some gracious 
souls. The Methodists have a society, consisting of about 
twenty members, some of them converted ; but they have no 
house of worship. They may now make a benefit of a 
calamity ; being denied the use of other houses, they will the 
more earnestly labor to get one of their own." Notwith- 
standing these rebuffs, he tarried the next day, and preached 
in a private house. " It was a time of comfort to the few 
seekers and behevers present." 

The day following he reached New Haven, and preached 
to an audience which included several of the collegians, Pres- 
ident Styles, and other clergymen. " When I had done," 
he writes, " no one spoke to me. I thought to-day of dear 
Mr. Whitefield's words to Mr. Boardman and Mr. Pilmore, 
at their first coming over to America : ' Ah ! ' said he, ' if 
ye were Calvinists ye would take the country before ye.' 



136 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



We visited the college chapel, at the hour of prayer. I 
wished to go through the whole, to inspect the interior ar- 
rangements, but no one invited me. The divines were grave, 
and the students were attentive ; they used me like a fellow 
Christian in coming to hear me preach, and hke a stranger 
in other respects. Should Cokesbury or Baltimore ever fur- 
nish the opportunity, I, in my turn, will requite their behav- 
ior by treating them as friends, brethren, and gentlemen." 

But what were such trials to the indomitable Asbury ? 
Trifles, which he brushed aside, as he " pressed on to the 
mark of the prize of his high calling." We still trace him on- 
ward, " crying aloud and sparing not," the next day at Wal- 
lingford, the following one at WaUingford-Farms, to a " ten- 
der " and " alarmed " assembly; the day after, (Sabbath,) 
twice at Middlefields, and at night, the same day, in the 
Congregational church at Middletown where he proclaimed. 
This is his commandment, that we should believe on the name 
of his Son and love one another." And when, after this 
weary day of labor, he had to ride " a mile out of town, to 
get a lodging," he comforted himself with the reflection that 
" it was to the poorer classes of people that this preaching 
was anciently blessed." Could he now revisit that beautiful 
city, he would be welcomed to scores of consecrated homes, 
where his name is revered as a beloved household word, and he 
might there also make the promised requital to the learned 
divines of New Haven, in an institution which has been dis- 
tinguished by the presidency of men who would have dignified 
the supreme chair of Yale. 

He still pressed onward, passing through Haddam, New 
London, " where," says he, " my church was the court-house, 
my text 2 Peter, 3 : 15," Stonington, Westerly, E. I., 
Charlestown, and Newport, where, he writes, " we stayed 
two nights at our kind friend's, Br. Green, a New-Light 



LEE AND ASBURT. 



13T 



Baptist. I lectured the second night, from Isaiah 64 : 1-7. 
There was some hfe among the people, although it was late, 
and the congregation hke our Lord's disciples before his pas- 
sion. There is also a Jews' synagogue, and a Moravian 
chapel. I ex-pect before many years the Methodists ivill also 
have a house of worship hereP 

On Saturday, 18th, he started on his way to Providence, 
remarking ; " On this journey I feel much humbled. I am 
unknown, and have small congregations, to which I may add, 
a jar in sentiment ; but I do not dispute. My soul is brought 
into close communion. I should not have felt for these peo- 
ple and for the preachers as I now do, had I not visited them ; 
perhaps I may do something for them in a future day. We 
came to Bristol, and should have gone farther, but Captain 

G saw us, and took us to his house. At the request of 

a few persons, I preached in the court-house, to about a hun- 
dred people, and enforced, ' The Son of Man is come to seek 
and to save that which was lost,' and found a degree of 
liberty. Some time ago there was the beginning of a work 
here, but the few souls who began are now discouraged from 
meeting together. I fear rehgion is extinguished by confin- 
ing it too much to church and Sunday service, and reading 
of sermons. I feel that I am not among my own people, 
although I believe there are some who fear God." 

The next day he was declaring in Providence the " accept- 
able year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our 
God," from Isaiah 61 : 1, 2, 3. The day following, he vis- 
ited among some serious families, and preached in the even- 
ing. He left the city, believing " that even we shall have 
something to do in this totvn.^^ He spent a day at Easton, 
where he preached once, but called it a day of " rest," a 
" solemn, happy, and solitary retreat," where his " soul en- 
tered into renewed Hfe." 
12* 



138 MEMOEIALS OF METHODISM. 



On the 23d he reached Boston. The prospects of Meth- 
odism had scarcely improved yet. He records, with empha- 
sis, his inhospitable reception : — "I felt much pressed in 
spirit, as if the door was not open. As it was court time, we 
were put to some difficulty in getting entertainment. It was 
appointed for me to preach at Murray's church — not at all 
pleasing to me, and that which made it worse for me was, 
that I had only about twenty or thirty people to preach to in 
a large house. It appeared to me that those who professed 
friendship for us were ashamed to publish us. On Friday 
evening I preached again ; my congregation was somewhat 
larger. Owing, perhaps, to the loudness of my voice, the 
sinners were noisy in the streets. My subject was Rev. 3 : 
17, 18. I was disturbed, and not at liberty, although I 
sought it. I have done with Boston, until we can obtain a 
lodging, a house to preach in, and some to join us. Some 
things here are to be admired, in the place and among the 
people ; their bridges are great works, and none are asham- 
ed of labor. Of their hospitality I cannot boast. In 
Charleston, S. C, wicked Charleston, six years ago, a stran- 
ger, I was kindly invited to eat and drink by many — here 
by none." 

He had faith in the future, however, and the future has 
justified it. " The Methodists," he says, " have no house, 
but their time may corned In our day, some ten pulpits are 
occupied in the city by his sons in the ministry ; they have 
advanced, on an average, of nearly one church to every six 
years since, and are more numerous than were all the Puri- 
tan churches of the city at that time. He tarried in Boston 
two days, and left it on the third for Lynn, where he was 
agreeably surprised " to find a " Methodist chapel raised." 
After his discouraging reception in Boston, he speaks 
with enthusiasm of Lynn, calling it the "perfection of beau- 



LEE AND ASBURT. 



139 



tj." He says, " It is seated on a plain, under a range of 
craggy hills, and open to the sea ; there is a promising socie- 
ty, an exceedingly well behaved congregation ; these things, 
doubtless, made all pleasing to me. My first subject was 
Rom. 8 : 33 ; in the afternoon, Acts 4 : 12. He adds, with 
prophetic foresight, " Here we shall make a firm stand, and 
from this central point, from Lynn, shall the light of Metho- 
dism and truth radiate through the State." 

On the 28th, he rode to Marblehead. " When I entered 
this place," he writes, my heart was more melted towards its 
inhabitants than to any in these parts, with the exception of 
Lynn. After consultation, and some altercation among them- 
selves, the committee invited me to preach in Mr. Story's 
meeting-house, which I did accordingly, at four o'clock, on 
Acts 24 : 17, 18. I was led to speak alarmingly, whilst I 
pointed out the gospel as descriptive of their misery and need 
of mercy. Brother Lee preached in the evening to a great 
number of people in and about Mr. Martin's house. Next 
morning, weak as I was, I could not forbear speaking to them 
on ' Seek ye first the kingdom of God.' " He went next day 
to Salem, but was denied access to any of the churches. 
He delivered his message, however, in the court-house, from 
Romans 5:6,7. At Manchester, he met a more courteous 
reception, and was admitted by the selectmen to the parish 
church. 

He returned to Lynn, where he tarried ten days, preach- 
ing, meeting classes, baptizing, administering the Lord's Sup- 
per, and visiting from house to house. On the Sabbath, he 
preached three times. " My first subject," he says, " was 
' the great salvation.' In the afternoon, I spoke on Titus 
2 : 11, 12, and had liberty ; in the evening, my subject was 
Mat. 11 : 28-30 ; the congregation was attentive, and my 
mind enjoyed sweet peace ; although, outwardly, we were 



140 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



uncomfortable, the meetlng-liouse being open, and the weath- 
er very cool for the season. I feel as if Gfod would work in 
these jStates, and give us a great harvest.'^ And again he 
predicts, " that a glorious work of God will be wrought here," 
and adds, " several people are under awakenings at this time ; 
my staying so long may be of the Lord." 

Ten days in one place was a long delay for this indefati- 
gable man of God. On the 13th of July, he set his face to- 
wards the West, and again we trace hun through a rapid 
passage, from Lynn to Springfield, where, on the 15th, he 
lifted up his voice, declaring, " It is time to seek the Lord, 
till he come and rain righteousness upon you ; " the people 
were " moved," and one individual " under deep conviction." 
He entered Connecticut, and, after preaching on the way, 
arrived at Hartford on the 19th, where he addressed an as- 
sembly, from " Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offend- 
ed in me." He passed to East Hartford, where he preached 
with more than usual freedom, to a " feeling congregation." 
The next day he was at West Farmington, and had a " grar 
cious shower at the Quarterly Meeting." At Litchfield, 
where he delivered a discourse the ensuing day, in the 
Episcopal Church," he characterizes the times, by remark- 
ing, " I think Morse's account of his countrymen is near the 
truth ; never have I seen any people who would talk so long, 
so correctly, and so seriously, about trifles." He continued 
his route through Cornwall, New Britain, to Albany, preach- 
ing by night and by day. 

Such was the rapid tour through New England, of this great 
apostle of American Methodism. It occupied less than eight 
weeks, but he had scattered the good seed broadcast over 
Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Masssaclmsetts ; had coun- 
selled with, and directed the few laborers in the field, and 
surveyed it sufficiently to guide him in his subsequent plans 



LEE AND ASBURY. 



141 



respecting it. He leaves New England with this reflection : 
" I am led to think the eastern church will find this saying 
hold true in the Methodists, viz: — 'I will provoke you to 
jealousy by a people that were no people ; and by a foohsh 
nation will I anger you.' " 

Thus much have we been able to ascertain respecting the 
laborers and labors of the ecclesiastical year, from May, 1791, 
to August, 1792. What were the results ? We have but 
scattered intimations in the slight records of the times, but 
enough to show that it was the most prosperous of the three 
years which had passed since the introduction of Methodism 
into New England. Extensive revivals had occurred in sev- 
eral sections of the country. Lee informs us, " that there 
was a considerable awakening among the people in different 
places, not far from Lynn ; " * that a door was opened for the 
outspread of Methodism in the Eastern States ; that invita- 
tions for preachers multiplied in various directions ; and, not- 
withstanding the general prejudice against the new church, 
its members increased both in numbers and respectability. f 
The circuits in Connecticut had been blessed with much 
prosperity. Of Redding, Bishop Asbury remarks, " God 
has wrought wonders in this town ; the spirit of prayer is 
amongst the people, and several souls have been brought 
to God. J On the Hartford circuit, an extensive refor- 
mation had prevailed. Demonstrations of the divine Spirit, 
like those witnessed in the days of Edwards and White- 
field, were again common among the towns on the banks of 
the Connecticut. At Tolland, and the neighboring villages, 
the interest was especially profound. Asbury estimates 
that one hundred and fifty souls were converted there, and 
that twice the number were under awakenings in the 



♦ Lee's History of Methodism, Anno. 1791. 
X Journals, July, 1792. 



t Ibid. 



142 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



societies around. " I felt," he says, " very solemn among 
them. Brothers Smith and Rainor have been owned of the 
Lord in these parts." * He also speaks of a " melting 
among the people," at Pittsfield, where the " Lord was at 
work." f About two hundred had been converted since the 
last Conference on the Albany District, which extended over 
this part of Massachusetts. J 

Three additional circuits, wholly or partly in New Eng- 
land, were reported this year, and the number of members 
returned from circuits beaiing New England names, was 
1358. The few and scattered preachers of Methodism, had 
made full proof of their ministry. Though still subjected to 
severe privations and annoying vexations, a goodly multitude 
of renewed souls now greeted and befriended them in their 
incessant travels, and welcomed them, after the fatigues of the 
day, to humble, but comfortable and consecrated homes. A 
Methodist people had been raised up ; few, indeed, and feeble, 
but never to cease, we trust, till the heavens and the earth 
are no more. 

* Journals, August, 1792. t t I^id. 

Note. At the New York Conference of 1790, it -was proposed to hold a session in 
Connecticut, in July, 1791, but we ha%'e reason to doubt that it was held. Bishop Asbury 
passed through that State, as we have seen, in the month of July, on the day appointed for 
the Conference (23d) ; he travelled by a rocky, mountainous way to Cornwall, and preached 
to " about one hundred and fifty hearers " but makes no allusion to the presence of the 
preachers, or to any Conference business. He left the next day. Mr. Lee's Journal indi- 
cates that he himself was pursuing his labors at Lynn the next week after the appointed time 
for this Conference, and, therefore, renders it probable that it was not held. It is evident, 
also, from his biographer's notice of the constitution of his New England District, that tha 
appointments we have been reviewing, for 1791, were made, as we have stated, at the New 
York Conference of May 26, and not at the proposed Connecticut Conference two months 
subsequent. No material business, therefore, could have been transacted at the latter, if 
it was held. The biographer of Lee affirms, also, that " no Conference prior to 1792 had 
been held farther north than New York or Albany." (Chap, xin.) We suppose the affima- 
tive is made on the authority of Lee's private papers. Dr. Bangs has included this appoint- 
ed Conference among the actual sessions of that year, but privately informs us that he did 
so solely on the authority of the appointment in the Minutes. He has been able to find 



LEE AND ASBUEY. 



143 



no other intimation of it. The Rev. Enoch Mudge, the first native preacher in New Eng- 
land, a personal friend of Lee, and a resident of Ljnn at the time, affirms that Lee was in 
Lynn not only (as we have stated) the week after the date of the Conference, but during 
the week in which it is alleged to have been held, and that no such Conference was ever 
held. The Rev. Aaron Hunt, of the New York Conference, the third oldest member of 
any Conference in the New World, had his appointment this very year in Connecticut, 
and has sent us the assurance that the first Conference in Connecticut was that of Tol- 
land, in 1793. 

Mr. Lec does mention this Connecticut Conference, in his History of Methodism, and this 
fact would, at first view, seem conclusive of the question. It did so seem to the author, 
till a thorough investigation nearly demonstrated the contrary. We found, on examin- 
ing his " History," that his statements of the sessions of Conferences were simply copies 
from the Minutes, with an introductory phrase stating how many " we had," and their 
numerical order prefixed. It is quite possible that these statements were cut out of the 
printed Minutes, and sent thus to the printer. This is an extraordinary supposition, to be 
sure, but the errors into which he falls cannot otherwise be explained. In several cases 
he follows the previous announcements of Conferences in the Minutes, when if he had hut 
referred to his own journals or memory, he would have seen that these announcements had 
not been followed. It is from this consideration that we attach little or no importance to his 
recognition of the alleged Connecticut Conference. For example, by looking into the 
Minutes of 1793, it will be seen that a Conference is appointed to meet in " Connecticut, 
Sept. 8, 1794," and by turning to Lee's History for that year, it will be seen that he enu- 
merates, (copying from the Minutes, doubtless,) among others, " the 116th, in Connecti- 
cut," for that year. Asbury traversed that State about the time, and Lee was in 
New England, the leader of its growing hosts. Now, would not these facts be as conclusive 
in this case as the same facts could be in the above instance 1 And yet it is well known that 
no Conference was held that year in Connecticut, but at Wilbraham, in Massachusetts. 
Asbury gives the record of the fact. (See Journals, Anno. 1794.) Abel Bliss, Esq., of 
Wilbraham, entertained the Bishop during this Conference. Lee himself was present, 
preached, and concluded it by an address, which is yet spoken of with admiration by old 
preachers and laymen who heard it. Here, then, is proof positive of our remark on Lee's 
mode of starting these sessions. 

Take another instance, though not so striking a one. In the Minutes of 1791, a Confer- 
ence is appointed for " Lynn, Aug. 1, 1792," and in Lee's History it is put down (copied 
from the Minutes, as we suppose) with that date. Lee was present ; yet it will be per- 
ceived from Asbury's journal that he did not arrive in the town till " about midnight " of 
the date, and the Conference met August 3d. 

In fine, the evidence seems to us conclusive that no Conference was held in Connecti- 
cut in 1791, and that the Conference of Lynn, in 1792, was the first in JVew England. 



CHAPTER IX. 



LABORERS AND LABORS OF THE ECCLESIAS- 
TICAL YEAR 1792-3. 



Session of the first New England Conference — Asbury — His Character — Lee — Hope 
Hull — Services at the Conference — Appointments — Membership — Jeremiah Cosdea 
— Joshua Taylor — His Christian Experience and Ministry — Smith Weeks — Phillip 
Wager — James Coleman — Richard Swain — Hope Hull — Fredus Aldridge — David 
Kendall — Robert Dillon — Jordan Rexford — Lee Itinerating — Asbury re-enters New 
England — Methodism Prevails — Results of the Year. 

Mr. Lee arrived in Lynn, from his excursion to Connecti- 
cut, in the early part of May, 1792. He continued his la- 
bors in that town and its vicinity, till the first week in August 
— a period memorable in our history, as the date of the first 
Conference held in the State of Massachusetts, if not the 
first in New England.* The preceding ecclesiastical year 
had included more than fourteen months. After so long a 
separation, and untold privations, labors, and sufferings, it 
was, indeed, a " holy convocation," a high festival, for the 
little company of scattered Itinerants, to meet in their first 
Conference. They assembled, as was befitting, in the first, 



*The time appointed for this Conference, in the Minutes of the preceding year, was the 
first of August J but it appears, from Asbury's journal, that it began on the 3d. 

144 



LABOREKS AND LABORS. 



145 



and still unfinished, Methodist Chapel of Massachusetts. As- 
bury speaks of it, at the time, as a matter of congratula- 
tion, that " in Lynn we have the outside of a house completed."* 
Had we the necessary data, it would be a grateful task to 
paint the picture of that first and memorable convention of 
New England Methodist preachers. We have been able, 
however, to catch but a glimpse of it. We know the num- 
ber, but hardly the names of those who were present. " Our 
Conference," says Asbury, " met, consisting of eight persons, 
much united, beside myself." f The truly great Asbury is 
himself the most imposing figure in the group. He was yet 
short of fifty years of age, and in the maturity of his physical 
and intellectual strength ; his person was slight, but vigorous 
and erect ; his eye stern, but bright ; his brow began to show 
those wrinkles, the efiects of extraordinary cares and fatigues, 
which afterwards formed so marked a feature of his strongly 
characteristic face ; his countenance was expressive of de- 
cision, energy, sagacity, benignity, and was shaded, at times, 
by an aspect of deep anxiety, if not depression ; his attitude 
was dignified and graceful ; his voice sonorous and command- 
ing. His parallel, for practical sense and practical energy, 
can scarcely be found ; as a ruler of State, or a commander 
of armies, he would have ranked among the greatest men of 
history. We will venture the remark, in all deliberation, that 
if ever an impartial ecclesiastical history of this nation is 
written, Francis Asbury, as well for his personal character, 
as for being the chief founder of its largest religious organiza- 
tion, will occupy a position in it above the competition of any 
other name whatsoever. During about fifty years, it is esti- 
mated that, besides innumerable public exhortations, he 
preached, upon an average, one sermon a day. He exceeded 



* Journals, Aug., 1792. f Ibid. 

13 



146 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

even Wesley in his travels, averaging more than six thousand 
miles a year. The extent of his journeys, during his minis- 
try of forty-five years, in the United States alone, ^as equal, 
upon an average, to the circumference of the globe, every 
four years ! and this by private conveyance, and over the worst 
roads, in the infancy of the nation. During the last thirty- 
two years of his life, he presided in two hundred and twenty- 
four Annual Conferences, and ordained about four tJiousand 
persons in the travelling or local ministry.* " When he com- 
menced his labors in this country, there were about six hun- 
dred members ; when he fell, it was victoriously, at the head 
of two hundred and twelve thousand.^^ f We repeat, then, 
that this first Methodist Conference in the East, was dignified 
by the presidency of the greatest man in the ecclesiastical 
annals of our country. 

By his side sat the indomitable Lee, second only, in the 
ranks of the ministry, for labors and travels, to its great 
leader. We have sketched, and are yet further to illustrate 
his character, by the narrative of his labors. He was about 
the period of middle age, stout, athletic, full of vigor of 
muscle and feeling. His face was strongly marked by 
shrewdness, tenderness, and cheerfulness, if not humor ; his 
manners, by unpretending dignity, remarkable temperance 
in debate, and fervid piety, mixed frequently, however, with 
\dvid sallies of wit, and startling repartees. This trait of 
honhommie was not without its advantages ; it gave him ac- 
cess to the popular mind, and aided in sustaining him in the 
peculiar trials of his ministry. No man of less cheerful tem- 
perament could have brooked the chilhng treatment he en- 

•* Bangs' History of Methodism, vol. 2. 

t Sketches and IncidentB, or a Budget from the Saddle Bags of a Superannuated Itin- 
erant, vol. I. 



LABORERS AND LABORS. 



147 



countered while travelling the New England States, -without 
colleague, and without sympathy. This solitariness in a 
strange land, often without the stimulus of even persecution, 
but rendered doubly chilling by universal indifference or the 
most frigid politeness, was one of the strongest tests of his 
character. Those only can appreciate it, who have endured 
it. He sat in the little band of his fellow-laborers, with a 
cheerful aspect, for though he had gone forth weeping, bear- 
ing precious seed, it was now springing up, and whitening for 
the harvest, over the land. If it had been but as " a hand- 
ful of corn in the earth, upon the top of the mountains," 
yet it now promised, that the fruit thereof would yet shake 
like Lebanon. 

In the group sat, also, the young and eloquent Hope Hull, 
the Summerfield of the time, attractive with the beauty of 
talent and of holiness — " that extraordinary young man," 
as Thomas Ware called him, " under whose discourses the 
people were as clay in the hands of the potter." Asbury 
brought him, on his tour to this Conference, from the South, 
where he had been persecuted out of Savannah. There 
were, also, the youthful and talented Rainor, fresh from the 
revivals on Hartford circuit, and undiverted yet from the 
labors of the Itinerancy by the love of ease or domestic 
comfort, and Allen, the " Boanerges," not yet svi'erving un- 
der the delusions of false doctrine. Besides these, it is 
probable that Lemuel Smith and Jeremiah Cosden were 
present. 

Asbury introduced the occasion, by a discourse on 1 John, 
4 : 1-6. On Saturday he preached an ordination sermon, to 
a very solemn congregation," from the text, " Not that we 
are sufficient of ourselves, to think any thing as of ourselves ; 
but our sufficiency is of God." There was preaching every 
night during the session. The Sabbath " was the last day, 



148 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



that great day of the feast." A love feast was held in the 
morning, after which Asburj preached on 1 Cor., 6 : 19, 20. 
" What ! know ye not that your body is the temple of the 
Holy Ghost, which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye 
are not your own ? For ye are bought with a price ; there- 
fore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are 
God's." In the afternoon, John Allen preached, and the 
Bishop gave a "farewell exhortation" to the people, who 
were deeply affected at his parting counsels. The next day 
he was away again, " making a hasty flight," as usual, and 
in four days he had passed over 170 miles from Lynn, on 
his way to other Conferences.* 

The Minutes of this year record the following ministerial 
arrangements for New England ; — Jesse Lee, Elder ; Lynn, 
Menzies Rainor ; Boston, J eremiah Cosden ; Needham, John 
Allen; Providence, Itemviel Smith. Jacob Brush, Elder; 
Fairfield, Joshua Taylor and Smith Weeks ; lAtchfield, 
Philip Wager and James Coleman ; Middletown, Richard 
Swain and Aaron Hunt ; Hartford, Hope Hull, George 
Roberts and F. Aldridge ; Fittsfield, D. Kendall, R. Dillon, 
and J. Rexford. This last circuit was on the Albany dis- 
trict, and under the Presiding Eldership of Freeborn Gar- 
rettson. The district of Jacob Brush extended over a large 
portion of the State of New York, though a majority of the 
places named, as comprised within its limits, were in Con- 
necticut. It was stated in our last chapter, that three addi- 
tional circuits were reported the present year ; by this was 
meant, the actual numerical increase of circuits ; there were 
really four new ones reported, but one of those reported the 
last year was merged in a new arrangement of the Con- 
necticut circuits. Boston, Needham, Providence and Pitts- 



* Asbury Journals, Aug., 1792. 



LABORERS AND LABORS. 



149 



field circuits, appear, for the first time, in the Minutes of 
this year. The first was detached from Ljnn, and the 
second and third were surveyed, as we have seen, by Mr. 
Lee, during the preceding year. The last was formed by 
preachers on the Albany District. 

The membership on the Eastern circuits was still very 
limited. Boston returned but 15 ; Lynn 118, (a gain of 60 
since the preceding Conference ; ) Needham, 34. As we 
advance westward, it largely increases ; Middletown returned 
124, and Hartford nearly 200. The latter circuit had gained 
167 during the past year — the result, doubtless, of the ex- 
tensive reformation which had prevailed among its appoint- 
ments. The circuits still more westward, had yet larger 
returns, but we cannot ascertain what proportion of them 
pertained to New England. 

We have already recorded what information we have been 
able to collect respecting most of the preachers appointed to 
New England the present year. Of the remainder we know 
but Httle. 

Jeremiah Cosden entered the Itinerancy in 1789, and 
travelled Northampton circuit with Christopher Spry, who, 
also, subsequently came to New England. The next year he 
was in the city of Baltimore. We cannot trace him among 
the appointments of 1791, but he re-appears the following 
year, and is appointed to Boston. His residence in New Eng- 
land was limited to that year. In 1793 he returned to the 
middle States, and labored at Alexandria ; the next year he 
is reported as withdrawn. He was a young man of educa- 
tion and talent, an agreeable and popular preacher, and dis- 
tinguished -by a generous spirit, which his pecuniary circum- 
stances allowed him somewhat to indulge. He arrived from 
the South in time for the Lynn Conference, where, it is report- 
ed, two of the way-worn preachers from the Connecticut River, 
13* 



150 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



■who had received little or nothing in their toils but bread 
from man and grace from God, appeared, at first, in rather 
rusty plight, but re-appeared the next day, thoroughly arrayed 
in priestly black, through the generosity of their former 
co-laborer in the South, Jeremiah Cosden. Alas ! that the 
rewards of " a good soldier of Jesus Christ " could not 
counterbalance, in his estimation, the sacrifices which " the 
man that warreth" must make in " not entangling himself 
with the afiairs of this life." Being educated for the profession 
of the Law, he devoted himself to it on his return to the South. 

In New England, we live for the future, and too readily 
forget the past. There are some, among the hundreds of 
our ministry, but comparatively few among the thousands of 
our membership, who know that there still lingers among us 
a venerable man, ripe for heaven, who, in the distant day we 
are reviewing, came, hke all the other Methodist evange- 
lists in New England at the time, from a more southern 
clime, and sharing the untold labors and privations of 
the period, sustained also its most prominent responsi- 
bilities — who, beginning with Faii-field, in the southwest 
of Connecticut, labored on nearly all the circuits of those 
early years, until he reached the remote one of Read- 
field, Maine, — who was the first Presiding Elder on the first 
District within the latter State, and subsequently sustained 
the same responsible office on Boston District. 

Joshua Taylor, now residing in Cumberland, Maine, was 
bom in Princetown, New Jersey, Feb. 5, 1768. A strictly 
moral education in his childhood, especially the godly exam- 
ple and instructions of a devoted mother, imparted to his mind 
an early bias towards religion. " The instructions of my 
pious mother," he says, " often pressed into my mind, and 
I would resolve to do better, and, in secret, would kneel 
down and pray that I might become a Christian , but I felt 



LABORERS AND LABORS. 



151 



unwilling that any one should know it, and, in trying to con- 
ceal it, lost all my serious impressions, and afterwards became 
worse than ever. I sometimes wished that my conscience 
would let me alone until I might become older, and then I 
would turn and do better ; at other times I feared I should 
go one step too far in the ways of sin, and lose my soul for 
ever — the thought of which was terrible. But sinful 
pleasures would again overcome these anxieties, and it is a 
wonder that I was not left to perish in my sins. 0, the 
infinite mercy and loving kindness of the Lord ! as long as 
I live I would adore the riches of his grace, which has kept 
me from eternal ruin. When I was between twenty and 
twenty-one years of age, it pleased God to take from me my 
mother, by death. The death of my father, which took place 
about three years before this, made no lasting impression on 
my mind ; but now, finding myself left with four brothers 
and three sisters, younger than myself, and I not twenty-one 
years old, the recollection of my mother's conversation and 
death took fast hold on my heart. I wept, and mourned, 
and reflected upon the unhappy situation which we eight poor 
orphans were in, if God should not befriend us, and resolved 
that, as I was the oldest, I would alter my course of living. 
But so ignorant was I of the nature of rehgion, that, at first, 
I had no thought that any thing more was necessary than to 
reform in my outward life — and accordingly I renounced 
whatever I thought to be sinful, and paid strict attention to 
religious meetings, and to reading the sacred Scriptures, and 
also attempted to pray in secret. In so doing I was brought, 
after a few weeks, to see and feel the need of an inward, as 
well as an outward, renovation. Now trouble and distress 
rolled in upon me : I found myself to be a sinner, lost and 
undone — my heart and my life were very wickedness — I 
found I had a hard, an unbelieving heart, full of pride and 



152 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



all manner of iniquity, and saw that, if I had my just desert, 
I must be damned for ever. I strove to i^ray and beg for 
mercy, and at times hoped that I should obtain it, but, at 
other times, was almost in despair. In this situation I con- 
tinued about four months, during which time the devil took 
every advantage of me, and poured in his fiery darts hke a 
flood — he assailed me with strong temptations to atheism, 
deism, and fatalism, and mth these ideas almost overpowered 
me ; but when he found he could not fully gain his purpose 
here, he turned the subject and urged the doctrine of univer- 
sal salvation, and suggested that I need not give myself any 
trouble, for all would be well in the end. But this idea was 
so uncertain that I could not be satisfied with it. I knew I 
was a sinner, and if there was a God whom I had offended, I 
had cause to fear and tremble. And then again my old 
temptations to infidelity would return with great force, and it 
would be urged there is no God, no Christ, no devil, &c., and 
if there is, I must be a reprobate, or I had committed the 
unpardonable sin, and that there was no mercy for me. At 
times, when I went by myself to pray, it seemed as if the 
devil was close by me, and it seemed so real that I expected 
to see him as soon as I should open my eyes after rising from 
my knees. These agitations were of frequent and long con- 
tinuance. Again it would be suggested to my mind, that 
these things which gave me so much trouble, were all delu- 
sions, and I need not trouble myself about them. But still 
my heart remained hard — it seemed as if my conductions were 
all leaving me, and I should be left to my own destruction. 
I mourned because I could not mourn aright, and nothing 
afforded me any encouragement." 

In February, 1789, on a Saturday evening, he attended a 
Methodist prayer-meeting at a private house. He had been 
deeply distressed, during several days, with rehgious con- 



LABORERS AND LABORS. 



153 



victions. " I felt," he says, " that I only grew worse, and 
must perish in my present condition. The meeting closed, 
and my heart remained hard. Part of the people with- 
drew ; but a few remained, and I with them. Before 
leaving the house, some one proposed having prayer again, 
and whilst the company were singing, light broke into 
my mind. I had such a discovery of the beauty and excel- 
lence of the Savior's character, that I felt to admire and adore, 
and glory be to his name, I felt that he did have mercy up- 
on me. All his attributes appeared lovely to my soul, and I 
sunk down into calmness and resignation to his will — so that 
I went home rejoicing and praising God, and in this sweet 
frame closed my eyes for sleep. When I awoke the next 
morning, I was still serene, and through the day I felt that 
Christ was near me, as my Savior, and beheld such glory and 
excellence in him, that I could venture myself upon him for 
time and eternity, and felt willing that he should deal with 
me as he saw proper. On the evening of that blessed Sab- 
bath, the prayer-meeting was like a heaven to my soul, and 
the people of God were the excellent of the earth to me. I 
loved my Savior, I loved his children, and rejoiced with joy 
unspeakable and full of glory." 

Some months after this happy change, he was induced to 
exhort in public, and soon the way was opened before him for 
more important labors. He entered the Itinerant ranks in 
1791, and was appointed to Flanders' circuit, N. J.* The 
next year he entered New England, and labored on Fair- 
field circuit ; during the following four years, he travelled 
successively, Middletown, Granville, Trenton, N. J., and 
(the second time) Middletown circuits. In 1797, when the 



* Tlie Minutes say Newburg. Ho was appointed to Flandery, but removed to Newburg 
a short time, and being on the latter circuit when the Minutes were published, is 
named in connection with it. 



154 



MEMORIALS OP METHODISM. 



appointments in Maine, wliicli had increased to six circuits, 
were organized into a District, lie was appointed Presiding 
Elder over them, and will ever hold a prominent place in the 
annals of the Methodist Episcopal Church in that State, as 
the first officer of the kind who exclusively pertained to it. 
He continued sole Presiding Elder in Maine, during four 
years, with such men as Timothy Merrit, Nicholas Snethen, 
Enoch Mudge, Peter Jane, Joshua Soule, John Broad- 
head, Daniel Webb , and Epaphras Kibby , under liim. Though 
that was " the day of small things," it was one of great men, 
in Maine. From Maine, he passed to Boston District, where 
he continued two years — no very small term of service in 
the office, for those times ; here again he commanded a corps of 
the " giants in those days ; " among them were Joshua Wells, 
Joshua Soule, Geo. Pickering, Dr. Thos. F. Sargeant, Dr. T. 
Lyell, &c. In 1803 he was re-appointed to the Maine District, 
then comprehending eleven CKCuits — the whole extent of 
Methodism in the State. The following two years he was 
stationed at Portland, and in 1806, after fifteen years of in- 
defatigable travels and toils, located — following the almost 
universal example, perhaps we may say necessity, of married 
preachers in those days of " much work and little pay." A 
manuscript sketch of his life has come into our hands, from 
which we glean the following further references to his ap- 
pointments. In May, 1791, he was received into the Itine- 
rant ministry at the Conference in Trenton, and was appointed, 
as we have stated, to Flanders circuit, in the mountainous 
parts of New Jersey — a section of the State where Jesse Lee 
himself had first carried the standard of ]\Iethodism. In a 
short time he was removed, for considerations highly honora- 
ble to himself, to the adjacent circuit of Newburg, N. Y. 

" It was trying to my feelings to be removed so soon," 
he says, " but from the first, I always determined to be 



LABOEERS AND LABORS. 



155 



obedient, and if my circuit was not according to my mind, my 
mind should be according to my circuit — so that there should 
be harmony in some way. The rides were long on both these 
circuits, and the labor hard ; but we found kind friends — for 
the Methodists were a loving people." He was subsequently 
directed, by his Presiding Elder, to go for a season to Wyo- 
ming, on the Susquehannah River, in Pennsylvania, to supply 
the place of a preacher who had failed in health. 

In those early times, even that part of the country was 
sparsely settled, and he met on his route some of the 
trying hicidents which almost every member of our early 
ministry had more or less to endure. 

" I was informed," he says, that the ride would be 
long, and the way difficult, but I started with resolution 
to go through it by the help of the Lord. The first 
day's ride brought me to the Delaware River ; after cross- 
ing, I inquired for the road to Wyoming. I found it to 
be chiefly through a wilderness, with a house only once in 
eight or ten miles, and that about forty or fifty miles 
would be m this way. The dayhght was about leaving me 
when I got to the first house. On coming to it, I found 
a number of persons, some of whom, at least, appeared to be 
much the worse for drinking, but as there was no other house 
on my way, nearer than eight or ten miles, and night had met 
me, I could do no better than to tarry. To my sorrow, when 
the company had chiefly dispersed, I had to take a cold, dirty 
bed, with a drunken man — and it was difficult to obtain any 
sleep, for the man of the house and his wife were in a contin- 
ual quarrel all night, so that I felt as if I was in a den of 
robbers. Glad was I to see the daylight appear again, and 
after paying dear for my misfortune, and talking to them 
about the evil of their conduct, I started for the next house, 
where I took breakfast and proceeded on my journey. But 



156 



MEMOEIALS OF METHODISM. 



through di^iiie mercy, I arrived safe at Wyoming, Tvhere I 
travelled and preached about three months." 

His next circuit was that of Fairfield, Conn. It extended 
from Stamford on the south west, to Stratford on the north 
east, and included several intermediate appointments, and also 
one in New York. He speaks as follows, of his first New 
England field of labor : 

" I recollect that some of our rides were long and tedious 
in the winter. But we found kind friends, and in the course 
of the year had a blessed revival of religion ■ — many were 
awakened, and a goodly number were converted to the Lord. 
One instance, which I recorded in my memorandum, I will 

here state. A Mr. S , living in Stepney, was friendly 

to the Methodists until his wife joined our society, but after 
that he became so enraged that he took an oath that he would 
disown her if she ever went into a class-meeting again. When 
I came round again, they were both at meeting. After 
preaching, I requested the class to stop, as usual ; she 
stopped, but when he perceived it, he came into the room 
and taking hold of her arm, pulled her out. This act excited 
much feeling among us ; they were not forgotten in our 
prayers — and as they were going home, the Lord smote him 
with such keen conviction, that he groaned with anguish. 
The next time when I came round, I preached at his house, 
and found him under deep conviction, but strongly tempted 
to put his horrid oath into execution ; and yet he seemed 
sensible that it would terminate in the ruin of his soul. I 
reasoned a long time with him, and left him in the hands of 
the Lord. When I came round again, he professed to have 
found peace with God, and, after making a very humble con- 
fession for what he had said against his wife and us, he joined 
our society himself. A blessed time of rejoicing was ex- 
perienced both in his family and in our society." 



LABOEERS AND LABORS. 



15T 



The Middletown circuit, to wliich he was appointed in 
1793, included the region between the Housatonick and Con- 
necticut rivers, and extended back as far as Waterburj. 
During this year, he had good opportunities for improve- 
ment, and made much proficiency in his studies. "At 
times," he says, " I felt so happy in my mind that it 
seemed as if I could step from earth and leap into glory. 
Here, likewise, the Lord was pleased to give me some souls 
as seals to my ministry. The glory all be his, for it is all of 
his rich grace." 

In September, 1794, he was at the Wilbraham Conference, 
and received an appointment to Granville circuit, which 
lay, partly in Connecticut, but chiefly in Massachusetts. 
" In travelling on this circuit," he says, " I felt much of the 
spirit of prayer for the people, and often preached with 
much freedom, and saw some fruit of my labors. I had, how- 
ever, some severe trials in my mind this year, but, upon the 
whole, I think it was a profitable period to me, and I trust, 
also, to many of the people." 

He attended the New London Conference, in the year 
1795, and was appointed to Trenton (N. J.) circuit, in or- 
der to settle some domestic affairs. In October, 1796, he 
attended Conference in New York, and was re-appointed 
to Middletown circuit. " Here, again," he writes, " my heart 
was well engaged, and I found more of the divine presence 
and deeper communion with God, than I had ever known be- 
fore. Oh ! the sweet, the powerful seasons with which I was 
favored — words cannot describe the manifestations of mer- 
cy which I experienced. May I never forget this happy 
year. The circuit was in a good condition." 

In September, 1797, he attended Conference at Wilbra- 
ham, Massachusetts, " where," he says, " I felt as if I ought 
14 



158 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



to offer myself for the front of tlie battle, and I volunteered 
my services for the Province of Mame, (as it vras then called,) 
should it be thought best. Here I was appointed preacher 
in charge of Readfield circuit, "which was then large and la- 
borious — and, also, Presiding Elder of the whole District, 
which extended east as far as the Penobscot river, and west 
to the Saco — ground which now includes several districts, 
and a multitude of circuits. When I heard my appointment 
read off, my mind seemed to shrink from so weighty a charge, 
but, nevertheless, I determined to do the best I could. I 
reached my circuit about the beginning of October, in com- 
pany with Jesse Stoneman, who had travelled in Maine the 
preceding year, and was now to form a new circuit, called 
N orridgewock, on the Kennebec river. Much of the country 
being newly settled, the roads were very bad ; my rides 
were long, and often, in the log houses, I was much exposed ; 
yet in general, the people where I lodged appeared to do the 
best they could to make me comfortable. But the greatest 
difficulty I had to encounter was the hostile spirit which some 
professors of religion appeared to possess, and the violent op- 
position we met from many who professed the Calvinistic 
creed — almost every inch of ground was disputed. Add to 
this, the fatigues and anxieties of attending the quarterly 
meetings of the other four circuits, which were far apart — 
the whole gave me about as heavy a trial as I could struggle 
under. Yet blesssed be God, he did not suffer me to faint, 
but often comforted and encouraged me — especially at one 
of our quarterly meetings, I had such a heavenly baptism as 
fully compensated me for all I had ever done or suffered in 
the cause of God. We had some good revivals of religion 
this year, and found many hearty friends to the cause, who 
were trying to do all they could for the benefit of souls." 



LABORERS AND LABORS. 



159 



At the Conference of Readfield, Me., 1798, he was con- 
tinued on the Maine District. It was a year of good results. 
While traversing the country, a youth about seventeen 
years of age, who had joined a class some time before, feeling 
that a dispensation of the gospel was committed unto him, 
and panting to share the struggles of the flaming Evangelists 
of Methodism, begged the privilege of accompanying him in 
his travels, and of aiding him in his preaching. This wish 
was accorded, and with horse and saddle-bags the young Itin- 
erant commenced a career which has continued to this day, 
through labors and travels co-extensive with the Repub- 
lic. He became, afterwards, a distinguished Presiding 
Elder in Maine, an efficient Agent in our book business, and 
finally the Senior Bishop of the church. Such was the begin- 
ning of the career of Joshua Soule, a son of New England, 
for whom she still entertains a steadfast interest, notwithstand- 
ing the unfortunate differences which, by identifying him with 
the southern division of the church, have severed him from 
her ministry. 

At the Conference of New York, in 1799, Mr. Taylor was 
appointed again to Maine. A short visit to his native town 
called up the memories of the past, and placed them in con- 
trast with the severe privations and trials of his distant field 
of labor. The temptation was powerful, but the visions 
of heaven opened above the field of struggle and trial. 
" Amidst these tender feelings," he writes, " the missionary 
prize fixed my attention and kept me willing to stand in the 
front of the battle." He was compelled this year into a printed 
controversy with a Calvinistic clergyman, in which he did 
good service to the church. We shall have occasion to refer 
to it hereafter. 

In July, 1800, the Conference was held at Lynn. He was 
sent back to his old district again, with the addition of 



160 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



another circuit called Bethel, which extended up the Andros- 
coggin river, about as far as there were any inhabitants at 
the time. He had seen good times among the people, in the 
formation of this circuit, and in the course of the present year 
•witnessed some blessed revivals in different parts of the State. 

While travelling this district, he attempted to introduce 
Methodism into Castine, but was repelled with great tumult. 
A prosperous society had been formed in Penobscot, and a 
few individuals were in the habit of coming on the Sabbath, 
from Castine, to share its spiritual privileges. Among them 
was a Mr. Freeman, who invited Mr. Taylor to Castine, as- 
suring him that the people would be pleased to hear him. 

" The appointment having" been made," writes Mr. Taylor, " I rode 
down to Esquire Freeman's in the forenoon, and was politely received 
and entertained. In the afternoon I told my host that I should like to 
call on their minister with him ; I accordingly did, and was treated by 
Mr. Mason, the minister, with as much respect and kindness as I could 
desire ; for although we could not agree in sentiment, on many points, 
there did not appear to be any bad feelings on either side. He invited 
me to remain and take tea with him. I informed him that I would, 
provided he would go with me to the meeting in the evening, to which 
he agreed. In due time, we went to Esquire Freeman's, which was on 
our way to the court-house, where the meeting was to be held. After 
being at Mr. Freeman's for some time, he told me that he doubted 
whether it would be propel- for me to attempt to preachy for he had been 
informed there would be disturbance. I replied, that as the appoint- 
ment had been made, I could not shrink from it, and requested that he 
and Mr. Mason would accompany me, which they did. We found a 
number of people at the court-house. The service began at the time 
appointed, but shortly afterwards a noise commenced without, and con- 
tinued to such a degree that I found it difficult to make the people 
hear me. I felt that I was on Satan's ground, but knew my Master 
had a superior claim, and was not afraid to assert his right. When the 
meeting closed, I was apprehensive that some of the rabble would lay 
wicked hands upon me, as I was informed that many of them were 
armed with clubs. I determined that if any thing unpleasant took place, 
their minister should witness it. When he walked down the stairs I 
kept by his side, and when we came to the door the passage was opened 
before us. We passed on undisturbed, to the end of the ranks. They 
immediately closed in, and followed us with their music to Esquire 
Freeman's, and after I got into the house they dispersed. It was not 
long, however, before a message came to Mr. Freeman, that if I was 



LABORERS AND LABORS. 



161 



not sent out of town, they would attack his house and give me a coat 
of tar and feathers. He told me that I had better go as far as Mr. 
Wilson's, (a good Methodist brother,) in Penobscot. I replied, that I 
did not think there would be any difficulty if I remained with him ; 
but he said he was told that some of them had been drinking very free- 
ly, and it was likely they would do mischief. To satisfy him, I told 
him that if he would have my horse saddled, &c., I would do as 
he wished. It was moonlight, and I arrived at i)rother Wilson's very 
comfortably, where I had to tell my pitiful story. This affair excited 
much feeling and talk for a considerable distance around. I was in- 
formed that some of the people in Penobscot said that if they ever 
served a Methodist preacher so again, they would go down upon them 
in a body and drive them into the river. Dr. Mann, a very respectable 
physician, who lived in Castine, informed me that it was said to him, 
I should never preach in Castine again. He informed my antagonist 
that he would invite me to preach at his house, and if any one molested 
me, he ' would put the day-light through him.' The doctor actually 
invited me to preach at his house ; but as I was informed that his wife 
felt very uneasy, and feared that if I came, mischief would be done, I 
told him I thought it not best to attempt it, under the circumstances, and 
there it ended at that time. The doctor, I believe, approved of the 
Methodist doctrines, and had, I suppose, about religion enough to fight 
for them ; but I have been recently informed that he afterwards became 
a lively, active Methodist — a very useful member, and finally died in 
peace. I learn that there is now a good society of Methodists in Cas- 
tine, with a decent house of worship, and favorable prospects. The Lord 
God Omnipotent reigneth.''^ 

He subsequently superintended the Boston District, but 
at the Boston Conference, in 1803, the Bishop was embar- 
rassed to find laborers for Maine. Mr. Taylor volunteered 
his services again, and, in the name of the Lord, re-entered 
that State ; many souls were awakened and converted, 
and he enjoyed among the young and poor societies of his 
extensive District, " many happy days and months." On his 
way to the General Conference, he passed through Portland, 
and was instrumental in providing the first Methodist chapel 
of that city, as will be seen in its history. 

He was afterwards appointed to Portland, commencing his 
labors with but eleven members, all of whom, except two, 
were females, and " trusting in the Lord for his support and 
success." He had the happiness of laying there, securely, 
the foundation of the church, and has since had the pleasure 
14* 



162 



MEMORIALS OP METHODISM. 



of seeing two successful societies, with about five hundred 
members, established on the basis, which, under God, was 
prepared by his laborious and faithful exertions ; while more 
than twenty thousand Methodists have been raised up 
in the State, and thousands after thousands have gone from 
it to the church triumphant. 

After laboring two years in Portland with much success, he 
was compelled, by his health and domestic circumstances, to 
locate. He has subsequently labored very usefully in Port- 
land and vicinity, particularly Cumberland and Falmouth. 
He yet lives, but age and grace have placed him above flat- 
tery ; we know not how to withhold the warm-hearted tribute 
of one, who, in youth, " did good battle " under his guidance, 
but who now, like him, worn out with years, sits at the door 
of his tent, waiting the summons for his last march — the 
march into heaven. There is an alfecting significance in the 
use of the past tense which seems so natural to these noble men 
of a former generation, when they speak of each other. 
" Joshua Taylor," says our venerable correspondent, " was as 
worthy of remark as many who have not his extreme mod- 
esty. He was small in stature, and of a clear, methodical 
and orderly mind. His labors were extensive and useful. 
He filled many important appointments in towns. Circuits 
and Districts. He faithfully propagated, and carefully 
guarded primitive Methodism through evil and good report. 
He might have had his choice of many places to settle in, 
could he have been prevailed upon to take charge of a 
Parish. He was a most dehghtful companion. The man 
that did not grow better by the company of Joshua Taylor, 
must have neglected a rare privilege. I never knew mahce 
to touch his character. I dare not indulge my feelings or ex- 
pressions — he is yet alive. In the closet, in the grove, by 
the road-side, and in public, I have witnessed his devotions." * 

* Letter from Rev. E. Mudge. 



LABORERS AND LABORS. 



163 



Of Smith Weeks, Mr. Taylor's colleague on Fairfield 
circuit, we know nothing more than the record of his ap- 
pointments in the Minutes. He commenced his ministry on 
Fairfield circuit, the present year. During the ensuing four 
years he travelled in the State of New York, on Newburg, 
New River, (where he spent two years,) and Cambridge cir- 
cuits. In 1796, he returned to New England and labored 
on Chesterfield circuit, N. H. The following year he was 
at Provincetown, and in 1789, located. 

Philip Wager joined the Itinerancy in 1790, and con- 
tinued to travel for eight years, when he is supposed to have 
located.* During his short ministry, his labors and travels 
were extensive. From 1790 to 1798, he was successively on 
the Cambridge, N. Y., Otsego, N. Y., Warren, R. L, 
Readfield, Me., Portland, Me., Chesterfield, N. H., and 
Duchess, N. Y., circuits. 

James Coleman, his colleague, was born in Black River 
township, N. J., October 30, 1766. In 1777 he removed 
with his parents beyond the AUeghanies, and settled on the 
Monongahela river. This was then a remote region, quite 
out of the reach of the religious provisions of the times. 
Young Coleman grew up, therefore, in ignorance and sin. 
According to his own statements, his religious knowledge was 
exceedingly deficient, consisting in little more than some gen- 
eral ideas of the Providence of God and the doctrine of 
Predestination, derived from his parents, who had been mem- 
bers of the Presbyterian church. Towards the close of the 
Ptevolutionary war, the indefatigable Itinerants of Meth- 
odism penetrated to that frontier and proclaimed the word 
of life among its new settlements. Young Coleman heard 
them, was awakened and converted, but through persecu- 

* Dr. Bangs' Alphabetical Catalogue. The Minutes give no intelligence of his fate, 
after 1797. 



164 MEMOEIALS OF METHODISM. 

tions and the lack of more regular means of grace, lie lost 
" his first love." 

Anxious for something to appease his conscience, he seized 
the doctrine of Predestination, and comforted himself with 
the persuasion that he was one of God's elect, and therefore 
secure, whatever might be the moral character of his Hfe ; 
the result was, increased carelessness, and, at last, habits of 
dissipation. God had, however, an important work for him, 
and did not abandon liim utterly ; he was afflicted with dan- 
gerous illness — sought the Lord again, and soon afterwards 
joined the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was licensed 
as an Exhorter, and felt that a dispensation of the gospel 
was committed to him. About this time he was drafted to 
serve in a war with the Indians, but behoving that he was 
called to a higher warfare, he refused to comply, and mean- 
time, was licensed to preach. On informing the captain of 
his determination, he was told that he might go and preach 
in the army ; " subsequently, an officer and several men, were 
sent to seize him. They found him preaching, and God so 
affected their hearts that they left him without further molest- 
ation. 

In 1791 he joined the Itinerant ranks, and was appointed 
colleague of Daniel Triden, on Redstone circuit.* The next 
year he came to New England, and travelled Litchfield cir. 
cuit. In 1793 he labored on Faii-field circuit. The next 
year he passed, with one of those transitions which were char- 
acteristic of the Itinerancy at that date, to Upper Canada, 
where he travelled one of the only two circuits yet formed in 
that Province. His labors, privations and perils, there, were 
such as fell to the lot of but few, even of the Itinerants of 
that day. He continued in the new and laborious field of 



* Not " Ohio," as the Obituary ia the Minutes of 1841-2 state. 



LABOEERS AND LABORS. 



165 



Canada, till 1800, assisting, amidst great trials and glorious 
revivals, Dunham, Woolsej, Woorster, Coate and others, in 
laying the foundations of Methodism there. In the latter 
year he returned to New England and labored on Middle- 
town circuit. He subsequently travelled Fletcher, Yt., 
Kedding, Conn., Duchess, N. Y., New Eochelle, N. Y., 
Long Island, Croton, N. Y., Newburg, N. Y., and New 
Windsor, N. Y., circuits, till 1810, when he was returned 
supernumerary. But the next year he re-entered the effec- 
tive service, and was appointed to Litchfield circuit. Conn., 
which he travelled during two years, and then passed to Strat- 
ford, Conn. In 1814 his name was entered on the " super- 
annuated " list of the New York Conference, where it contin- 
ued until 1821, when he again travelled Stratford circuit. 
The next year he is among the " supernumeraries," but had 
charge of Ridgefield circuit, Conn. In the following year 
he entered the lists of the " superannuated, or worn-out "la- 
borers, and continued there the remainder of his life, which 
terminated at Ridgefield, Fairfield county, Connecticut, on 
the 5th day of February, 1812, in the 77th year of his age. 
His labors were extensive and successful. On his route to, 
and amidst his travels in Canada, he surmounted the severest 
privations. " Once, while passing up the Mohawk river in 
company with two others, he was obliged to go on shore fif- 
teen nights in succession, and kindle a fire to keep off the 
wild beasts ; and food faihng, he was reduced to a single 
cracker per day. Yet such was his zeal for the glory of 
God, and such his love for the souls of men, that no privar 
tions or difficulties could arrest him or even damp his ardor. 
Though his abilities were not great, and his acquirements but 
limited, yet such was the peculiar conviction that attended 
his prayers, so entirely was he a man of one aim and one 
business, so strong was his faith and so tender his love, that 



166 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

no inconsiderable success attended his efforts, and it is 
confidently believed tbat the crown upon his head will not be 
without many stars, and some, too, of the first magnitude." * 
Mr. Coleman was marked bj the Christian amenity of his 
manners. His life was an exemplification of his ^Dr caching 
- — his death peaceful and triumphant. 

Richard Swain was a native of New J ersey, and com- 
menced his Itinerant labors in 1789, on Trenton circuit, in 
that State. The ensuing two years he spent on Flanders cir- 
cuit, and in 1792 entered New England and joined Mr. 
Coleman on Middletown circuit. The next year he was ap- 
pointed to New London circuit, as colleague of George Rob- 
erts. The following ten years he spent in various appoint- 
ments in New Jersey, " travelling in the extreme parts of 
the work, before things were ready to his hands, and bearing a 
part of the burden and heat of the day."t In 1804, he was 
reported among the " supernumeraries," and continued in that 
relation till his death, in 1808. He possessed quick and 
substantial powers of mind, and was somewhat addicted to 
sallies of wit, especially in conversation — sharing, in this res- 
pect, a very common, though ambiguous ability, of his 
contemporaries in the Itinerancy — the result, perhaps, of 
their intimate familiarity with human nature, and the variety 
of rencounters with it which their travels rendered unavoida- 
ble. In the last years of his life, Mr. Swain endured severe 
afilictions ; for nearly five years he lingered in a condition 
which measurably, and at times entirely cut off his labors in 
the church. His sufferings were, however, a refining fire, and 
terminated in a triumphant death. " He departed, " says 
his fellow laborers, " in confident peace, triumphant faith, 
and the smiles of a present God." J 



* Minutes of 1841-2. t Minutes of 1808. X ^^'^^ 



LABORERS AND LABORS. 



16T 



Hope Hull was admitted to the travelling ministry in 1785. 
His Itinerant career was limited to ten years, and, except 
the short interval he spent in New England, was devoted to the 
introduction and propagation of Methodism in North Caroli- 
na and Georgia, where, till his day, it had made but slight inr 
cursions. His first circuit was Salisbury, N. C. In 1786, he 
travelled Pedee, N. C, and in 1787 Amelia circuits. In 
1788 he penetrated still further South, and entering Georgia, 
labored on Washington circuit ; the following year he was on 
Burke circuit, in the same State. In 1790 he attempted to 
introduce Methodism into Savannah ; he preached in a Me- 
chanic's shop for some time, but, notwithstanding his rare elo- 
quence, was violently persecuted and perilled by the tu- 
mults of the mob. The success of the attempt was too small 
to justify its continuance ; he returned, therefore, to Burke 
circuit. He labored there one year, and then started with 
Bishop Asbury for New England, where he travelled exten- 
sively along the Connecticut river. His stay in the East 
was short, but produced a wide and deep impression. His 
talents were of a high order. Thomas Ware places him 
prominently in " the number of those eminent men who 
had been employed in this section of the work, and whose 
memory was precious to many." He says, " he was often 
spoken of in terms of great respect and tenderness." 

" I knew Mr. Hull," continues that venerable man, " and almost en- 
vied him his talents. I thought, indeed, if I possessed his qualifica- 
tions I could be instrumental in saving thousands, where, with my 
own, I could gain one. This extraordinary young man drew multi- 
tudes after him, who, disarmed of their prejudices, were, under the 
influence of his discourses, like clay in the hand of the potter. It seem- 
ed that he could do with them just as he pleased. And yet, in the 
midst of this astonishing influence and career of usefulness, he sighed 
for a southern clime ; and at his own request he was permitted to re- 
tire to another portion of the field. Perhaps it was best, lest, if he 
had remained, he might have been idolized by the devoted people 
among whom he labored, to his own injury and theirs. A man of 



168 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



some distinction represented him as a skilful musician, who could ex- 
cite any passion he pleased. " In our part," said he, in speaking of 
Mr. Hull, " Arminians were deemed guilty of abominable heresy, and 
our minister had often denounced them and consigned them to certain 
perdition. But Mr. Hull came to a neighboring town ; an influ- 
ential individual invited him to ours, and informed our minister that, if 
he refused him the meeting-house, he should preach in his house. The 
meeting-house was opened, and it was crowded to overflowing. Our 
minister was present, and was the first who began to weep. " My eyes," 
said the man, " were alternately on the minister in the pulpit and the 
one in the pew ; and I was surprised to see how soon and how completely 
the latter was unmanned. Mr. Hull, it is true, soon left us ; but, by his 
unequalled power to move the feelings of the people, he so far secured 
their attention as to commend to their understanding and hearts the 
gospel he preached, and Arminians have since been permitted to live 
among us. From that time to the day of his death, our minister was 
never heard to say a word against them." 

Such was Hope Hull. He returned to the South in 1793, 
and was designated to Savannah, Georgia. In the Minutes of 
the following year, we have no notice of his appointment, and in 
1795 he is returned as located. His disappearance, for 
whatever cause, from among the noble names of that period 
of our history, impresses us as the loss of the missing Pleiad 
from its constellation. We know not the circumstances 
which occasioned his location, but suppose they were the usual 
ones of the times, domestic necessities or physical disabihties. 
We trust this radiant star, whose obscuration was the eclipse 
of a bright hope of the church, will be found hereafter in 
still greater brightness near the great central light, in the 
midst of his old associates.* 

Fredus Aldridgb was also from the region of the Bal- 
timore Conference — a Conference to which New England 
owes most of her first and noblest Methodist laborers. He 
commenced his Itinerant ministry on Dover circuit, Del., 
in 1790 ; the next year passed to Talbot circuit, Md., and 
in 1792 was associated with Roberts and Hull, on Hartford 



*We learn that Mr Hull died in full hope of immortality, in Athens, Georgia. 



LABORERS AND LABORS. 



169 



Circuit. The following year lie was tlie colleague of Swain 
and Roberts on New London circuit. In 1794 he was on 
Litchfield Circuit, under the Presiding Eldership of his friend 
Roberts. In 1795 he returned to Delaware and labored at 
Wilmington ; the following year he was again in Maryland, 
travelling Cecil Circuit, and in 1797 he was among those who 
were " under a location, through weakness of body or fam- 
ily concerns." 

David Kendall's ministerial career was short,* it com- 
menced in 1788 on New City (N. Y.) circuit. The follow- 
ing three years, he travelled respectively Lake Champlain, 
Long Island, and Saratoga Circuits. In 1792, he entered 
New England and labored on Pittsfield Circuit, the next year 
he was the colleague of Enoch Mudge on Greenwich Cir- 
cuit, R. I. In 1794 he was supernumerary in New York 
city, and in the following year located. 

Robert Dillon entered the " Travelhng Connection " in 
1791, and was appointed to New Briton, N. Y. The next 
year he came to New England, and travelled Pittsfield Circuit. 
We fail to trace him in the year 1793, but he reappears in 
the Minutes of 1794 and continues through a series of labo- 
rious appointments, in the state of New York, down to the 
year 1811, when he also falls into the ranks of the " located," 
after an indefatigable ministry of twenty years. 

Jordan Rexford entered the Itinerancy in 1792. His 
first appointment was to Pittsfield, Mass. Thence he passed 
to Lynn, in 1793, and the next year was at Marblehead. He 
was " to change," however, " in three months, with John 
Hill," whose field this year has the comprehensive title of 
" New Hampshire." Mr. Rexford's labors in Marblehead, 
were difficult and attended by severe trials. On his first ap- 

* His name does not appear in Dr. Bangs' Alphabetical Catalogue. 

15 



170 



M E M 0 E I A L S 



OF METHODISM. 



pointment to that town lie was snow-balled through the streets. 
He married one of the origmal members of the society, and 
for three years disappears from the roll of his brethren ; but 
in 1798 joined them again, and is appointed to Bristol, R. 
I. The next year he labored on the Island of Nantucket ; 
the year following on Bristol and Portsmouth Circuit, as 
colleague of the venerable Daniel Webb ; the two ensuing 
years at Portsmouth, and in 1814 he located. He resided 
several years at Marblehead, a local preacher and teacher of 
the " Upper Tomi school." 

Mr. Lee, as we have seen, was appointed this year Presid- 
ing Elder over a District that included Eastern Massachusetts 
and Bhode Island, and the principal points of which were 
Lymi, Boston, Needham and Providence. The General Con- 
ference was to convene on the first of the ensuing Novem- 
ber, in Baltimore. But a brief interval of time remained 
therefore, before it would be necessary for him to depart on 
his journey thither. He projected, however, a tour to Rhode 
Island, to attend to the further organization of the New 
Providence Circuit, which he had surveyed in his previous 
visit, and to which, as we have noticed, a preacher was as- 
signed at the Conference of this year. In a few days after 
the adjournment of that body he was on his way thither. 
The particulars of this excursion we have not learned, further 
than that he visited Pro\idence, Pawtuxet, Warren and 
Bristol, preaching and travelHng continually, putting in train 
the labors of the Circuit for the newly arrived laborer and re- 
entering Massachusetts after about one week's absence. On 
his return he preached at Taunton and Easton. At the lat- 
ter place it appears that a society had been already formed. 
On Saturday, Aug. 18, he thus writes : 

" I rode to brother Stokes', in Easton, and met the class at 5 o'clock. 
When I consider the goodness of God to me in this journey, I am con- 



LABORERS AND LABORS. 



171 



strained to call upon my soul to bless his holy name. I have found de- 
light in the service of God, and comfort among the people. I have 
had an opportunity of preaching to many who never heard a Methodist 
before." 

On the 2 0th 5 he was in Boston with his friend and co-la- 
borer Jordan Corsden, and at night, met the Httle class 
" which," he writes, " has been lately formed." The next 
month he spent mostly in Lynn. He says : 

" Tuesday, 10th of September. I met the class at Wood End at 
3 o'clock ; the Lord was with us of a truth ; one woman said that the 
Lord had converted her soul a few nights before, and she spoke of it 
with much confidence and tenderness, so that many were melted into 
tears. O God ! let all the people praise thee. 

" Monday, 1st of October. I visited several friends in Lynn, and at 
night, I preached my farewell sermon, on Phil. 1 : 27; Only let your 
conversation he as hecometh the gospel of Christ : that whether I come to 
see you, or else he absent, I may hear of your affairs, and that ye stand 
fast in one spirit, ivith one mind. The Lord was with us of a truth ; 
there was great weeping among the people, both men and women. I 
felt very sorry to leave them, and they seemed to be sorry to part with 
me, as I expected to go home, and to be absent from them for the 
space of four months. But the will of the Lord be done. 

" Tuesday, 2d. I left Lynn, with a good deal of sorrow, and set on 
my journey." 

He spent at the General Conference, and in a visit to his 
paternal home, about five months. On the 20th of Febru- 
ary, 1793, he re-entered Boston with horse and saddle-bags, 
after the fashion of the primitive Methodist Itinerancy. 
He arrived after dark, much fatigued, ''and with wet 
feet," from the wintery slush of the roads. His recollec- 
tions of Boston could not be the most cheering, but he 
now found there a warm welcome, and " was comforted," he 
says, " with the Boston class, which met soon after I got at 
Mr. Burrell's." The next day he hastened with a glad heart 
to his " old friends " at Lynn, feeling " thankful to God for 
bringing him back again," and still more thankful to find 
'' that religion had revived amongst the people " in his 
absence. 



172 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

On the next Sabbath (24th) he preached to them in their 
yet unfinished house from II Sam. 20 : 9 : Art thou in health, 
my brother I It was a good time," he sajs, " to the people, 
and profitable to myself. We then administered the sacra- 
ment, and three grown persons were baptized, and several 
added to the church." 

He continued about three weeks in Lynn and its vicinity, 
but as it was supphed by the services of Mr. Rainor, he de- 
parted on the 18th of March on another excursion. He says, 

" I set off on my tour to Rhode Island and Connecticut States. I 
rode to Boston, and at night, preached on Gal. 3: 11. I found satis- 
faction in preaching-, and the people were quite attentive. Then 
brother E. Cooper exhorted, and his words seemed to have much 
weight with the hearers." 

During this tour, he visited Easton, Pawtuxet, Warwick, 
Greenwich, Weckford, Charlestown, New London ; thence he 
journeyed to Gen. Lippet's, in Cranston, to Providence, Need- 
ham, and on to Boston ; after which he returned to Lynn. 

On the 30th of April he was at Marblehead and gives an 
intimation of the humble, but to him encouraging prospects 
of its infant society. He writes — 

" At night, I preached on Lam. 3 : 36 : It is good that a man 
should both hope and quietly ivait for the salvation of the Lord. The 
people had been at the trouble to hire an upper room of Mr. Bowler, 
for 15 dollars per year, and to fix a number of seats in it for the use of 
the Methodists, which is more respect than they ever showed us be- 
fore. To-night we n)et in it for the first time, and the Lord owned 
our meeting, and his presence was felt amongst us. I found great lib- 
erty in teaching them the way to heaven ; and felt more encouraged 
about the place and people then I used to be." 

He continued to travel and preach almost daily, until the 
Conference of the 1st of August ensuing, confining himself, 
however, (if indeed it can be called confinement,) mostly to 
Boston, Lynn, Marblehead and Salem. Lynn was his fa- 
vorite resort, " being," says his biographer, " more attached 



LABORERS AND LABORS. 



173 



to it than to any other place within the bounds of his 
District." 

On the 21st of July, the apostolic Asbury again entered 
New England on his way to the second Lynn Conference. 
He was weary, and had been sick nearly four months, but 
pressed onward, attending to his responsible business and, 
travelling during these four month, of illness about three 
thousands miles.* He briefly sketches his journey to Lynn 
in the following notes. 

Monday 21. We rode fifteen miles to Sharon, two miles from Litch- 
field. There is a little move among the people of this place. 

Tuesday 22. Came to H— 's. 1 rested in a very solitary shade, 

and was comforted in my own mind. Perhaps the old man is right 
who says, not many of this generation will enter into the promised 
land, but their children. Came to East Hartford, and find it still a day 
of small things. Falling under deep dejection (such as I had not 
known for months,) I concluded to preach this evening for my own 
consolation, on " Thou that teachest another, teachest thou not thy- 
self? " We passed through and spent a night at Windham — a pleas- 
ant town. Thence through Canterbury and Plainfield : where our 
preachers from Connecticut have visited — but it is a dry land — little 
rain in a double sense. Thence I came upon the State of Rhode Is- 
land ; stopped in Coventry, and found that the two preachers stationed 
here have been running over almost the Avhole State, and had formed 
but few societies. When I came to Providence, I. Martin told me, 
that under the present difliculties they had agreed not to forward the 
preachers of the Methodists among them, not to befriend them ; I asked 
for a tavern, and was directed to General T.'s, where I was used 
well : some were displeased at our praying ; and acted much like 
Sodomites. Oh ! the enmity and wickedness that is in the human 
heart. We had heavy work for man and horse to reach Easton — our 
money grew short. 

Sunday 27. Reading the Scripture in the congregation appeared to 
be a new thing among the people. I gave them a lecture under the ap- 
ple trees, on Isaiah 35 : 3-6 ; and trust my labor was not lost. 

Monday 28. We rode upwards of thirty miles, through great heat, 
to Lynn. On our way we fed our horses, and bought a cake and some 
cheese for ourselves ; surely Ave are a spectacle to men and angels ! 
The last nine days, we have rode upwards of two hundred miles, and, 
all things taken together, I think it worse than the wilderness : the 
country abounds with rocks, hills, and stones ; and the heat is intense 
— such as is seldom known in these parts. 



* Journals, Anno 1793. 

15* 



174 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



Thougli wearied and feeble he thought not of repose ; the 
next day he ascended the pulpit and proclaimed, " Hear je 
me Asa, and all Juda, and Benjamin ; The lord is with jou, 
while ye be with him, and if ye seek him, he will be found of 
you ; but if ye forsake him he will forsake you" — -2 Chron. 
15: 2. 

The ecclesiastical year closed, August 1793, with cheer- 
ing indications of progress. The returns in the minutes ex- 
hibit an advance in the membership of more than one fourth 
on the number of the preceding year. In the latter it 
amounted to 1358, in the present minutes, to 1739. Four 
years had not yet elapsed since the formation of the first so- 
ciety at Stratfield ; the numerical gain of the infant church, 
thus far, had been at the average rate of at least 435 per 
year, no small growth under the inauspicious circumstances 
of the times. All the circuits report an increase, except 
Litchfield, which descends from 428 (the number of the pre- 
ceding year) to 184. This circuit, it must be remembered, 
extended into New York, and the apparent diminution may 
be owing to the incorporation of its Western appointments 
into new circuits. Lynn returned 166, a gain of nearly 50 
on the prior year ; Needham, 50, a gain of 16 ; Middletown, 
172, a gain of nearly 50 ; Hartford, 331, a gain of 146 ; 
Pittsfield, 330, a gain of more than 100 ; Boston, reluctant 
Boston, returns 41, a gahi of 26. Four circuits bearing 
New England names, make returns for the first time this year; 
they are New London, which reports 50 members ; Warren, 
B. I., 58; Greenwich, B. I., 16, and Granville, Mass., 90. 
The returns from Bhode Island were the first yet reported 
from that State — they amounted to but 74. 

There had been an extensive outspread of Methodism 
through Connecticut, Bhode Island and Massachusetts ; 



LABORERS AND LABORS. 



175 



in the latter, even tlie stronghold of the Metropolis had yielded 
to the indomitable zeal of Lee, and its little band of two score 
members were already projecting the erection of a chapel. 
A considerable revival had prevailed during the year at Lynn, 
resulting, as we have seen, in an addition of nearly 50 to the 
society. The Hartford and Middle town Circuits had receiv- 
ed gracious visitations of the Spirit and numerous additions 
to their membership ; they had lately gathered into their 
humble communion nearly 200 souls ; the purifying fires, 
kindled along the banks of the Connecticut the previous year, 
by the instrumentality of Lemuel Smith and Menzies Eainor, 
had extended and heightened during the present one un- 
der the faithful labors of the eloquent Hope Hull and his col- 
leagues, Roberts and Aldridge. Asbury supposed that more 
than 300 souls had been awakened, and more than 200 con- 
verted on the Hartford Circuit since the last Conference.* 
Meanwhile the Western Circuits on the Albany District shared 
the blessed visitation ; the untiring evangelists who travelled 
them were cheered by the triumphs of the truth, and displays 
of the divine power in the conviction and conversion of scores 
of their hearers ; on the Pittsfield Circuit, alone, more than 
a hundred were enrolled among the struggling, but conquer- 
ing host of the new " sect every where spoken against." A 
consciousness of the security and prospective success of 
their cause had spread through all their ranks, and while 
the violent and prejudiced began to deem it time for hosti- 
lities, the disinterested and devout, began to open their 
hearts and their houses, to welcome the Itinerant evangelists 
as the " blessed " who " came in the name of the Lord," 
the men who " show the way of salvation." 

Not only had their numbers augmented, but the field of 



♦Asbury's Journals, Anno 1793. 



176 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



travel and labor was extended in every direction. The 
number of circuits and stations had increased from 9 to 14, 
and the large minded Lee began to cast his eye abroad for 
a new and more distant arena. He went to the Conference, 
determined to offer himself as a Missionary to the " Prov- 
ince of Maine, then a remote wilderness. Thither we shall 
follow him in our next chapter, to witness continued exhibi- 
tions of the moral heroism of his character, while braving 
the inclemencies and perils of a new country, and achieving 
the subhme task of founding a religious organization, which 
was to scatter, in about half a century, more than three hund- 
red and fifty travelling and local preachers among its rising 
villages and cities, and embody in them more than twenty 
thousand members. 



CHAPTER X. 



ECCLESIASTICAL YEAR 1793-4. 

Conference at Lynn — At Tolland — Asbury leaves New England — Appointments for the 
year — Sketches of Ezekiel Cooper — Enoch Mudge — New London Circuit — Meth- 
odism in Maine — Trials. 

On the first day of August, 1793, the Conference con- 
vened at Lynn. The preachers of the Circuits in western 
New England were not present, as a seperate session had 
been appointed for their convenience at Tolland, Conn., to 
be held in about a week after the one at Lynn.* 

"We have but little information respecting this Conference. 
Eight preachers were in attendance.! Asbury remarks, " We 
have only about three hundred members in the District ; yet 
we have a call for seven or eight Preachers : although our 
members are few, our hearers are many." 

The bushiess of the session closed on Saturday. The 
next day four sermons were delivered in the new chapel, be- 
ginning at six o'clock in the morning. The little band of 
Itinerants partook of the Lord's Supper with the disciples at 
Lynn, and on Monday morning dispersed to their various 
fields to suffer, labor and triumph another year. They had 

» Minutes, 1792. -f Memoirs of Lee, Chap. xiir. 

177 



178 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



refreslied themselves hj tlie hospitality of the young and 
prosperous church of Lynn, by the interchange of their min- 
isterial sympathies, and by united invocations of the blessing 
of God on their common work; but a cloud had hung 
over their small assembly, and their hearts had been touched, 
though not unprofitably, by deep sorrow. The news of the 0'- 
Kelly scliism in the South reached them ; nearly 25 preachers, 
in various parts of the connection, had ceased to travel ; four 
of them had withdrawn, and among these was their own Bo- 
anerges. John Allen had laid down his Sinai-trumphet to 
take it up no more. Other causes of grief added to the bit- 
terness of these, and the sick and wayworn Asbury resumes 
his travels, remarking, that " circumstances had occurred 
which made this Conference more painful than any one Con- 
ference beside." 

But " no man having put his hand to the plough, and 
looking back is fit for the kingdom of God ; " these men so 
behoved, and they believed also that " There remaineth a 
rest for the people of God." They addressed themselves there- 
fore, with renewed zeal to their toils and sufferings, and none 
more so than the great and good Asbury. " Surely," said 
he, " as he approached the Conference, " we are a spectacle 
for men and angels ; " under still severer suffermgs he now 
mounted his horse and set his face towards the West. He 
passed a few hours at Waltham, in the homestead of the ven- 
erable Pickering, so well known among us, from that day to 
this, for its sanctified hospitalities to the weary Itinerant. 
Here he preached to a large assembly, and was cheered to 
find a deep interest among the people. " Several souls," he 
writes, " are under awakenings, and there is hope the Lord 
will work. The harvest is great ; the living faithful ; labor- 
ers are few." 

His physical sufferings increased, but he pressed forward. 



ECCLESIASTICAL YEAR 1793-4. 



179 



On Monday, llth, the Conference met in Tolland, Conn.* 
This town was about the centre of the region included in what 
was the Tolland Circuit of that period. f It was previously 
connected with the Hartford Circuit, and the great reformation 
which had extended like fire in stubble through the latter, 
under the labors of Hope Hull, George Roberts, Lemuel 
Smith and their colleagues, the preceding two years, had 
left distinct traces in Tolland. A small society had been 
formed, and a chapel erected, on the estate of an excellent 
townsman, Mr. Howard, who befriended the infant church, and 
most of whose family were made partakers of the grace of 
life through its instrumentality. J It was in this chapel, then 
but partially finished, that the Conference assembled. Most 
of the preachers, ten or twelve in number, were entertained 
at Mr. Howard's hospitable mansion. Asbury addressed 
them from II. Tim., 2 : 24-26 : The servant of the Lord 
must not strive ; hut he gentle unto all men, apt to teach, pa- 
tient ; In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves ; 
if Grocl p}eradventure will give them repentance to the ac- 
hnoivledging of the truth ; And that they may recover them- 
selves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive hy 
him at his will. " Lame as I was," he writes, " I went 
through the business — I was tired out with labor, heat, 
pain, and company." Yet he departed the same day : " Be- 
ing unable to ride on horseback, I drove on in a carriage 
through the rain, over the rocks, in the dark, and came to 



* Asbury's Journals. The Minutes say the 12th, but the time was often anticipated or 
delayed in those early days. 

t Letter of Mr. Joseph Howard, of Tolland, to the Writer. 

X Our venerable correspondent just referred to, is one of his sons ; two other sons had to 
endure rather severely the force of the " prmcy>Zes " of those times, for their obstinate 
attachment to Metohdism ; they were carried, together with Abel Bliss Esq., of Wilbra- 
ham, to Northampton jail for resisting oppressive taxations for tho support of the Con- 
gregational church. 



180 



MEMOEIALS OF METHODISM. 



Doctor Steel's, at Ellington. I am now not able to move 

from my horse to a house." Unable to ride his horse he 

still journeyed onward. 

" I came in brother S.'s carriage to Hartford. From what we can 
gather, we are encouraged to hope that upwards of three hundred souls 
have been awakened ; and more than two hundred converted to God, 
the last year. If this work goes on, Satan will be laboring by all 
means, and by every instrument." 

From Middletown he passed to New Haven, thence to 
Derby, " with a return of inflammation in the throat," thence 
to West Haven, very unwell," thence he " had heavy 
work to get to Redding, being lame in both feet." On his 
way to the latter place he was compelled to " lay down on the 
roadside.''^ " I felt," he says, ^' like Jonah or Elijah. I 
took to my bed at Kedding." The bed, however, was no con- 
genial place for such a man. On the 18th we find him rid- 
ing " ten miles on horseback, and thirteen in a carriage," to 
Bedford, where he rested a day at dear widow Banks', 
where I was at home." Well does he exclaim there, " 0, 
how sweet is one day's rest ! " On the 20th he left New 
England, " riding thirty-three miles " on horse-back. On 
the route my horse started," he says, " and threw me into a 
mill-race, knee deep in water, my hands and side in the dirt ; 
my shoulder was hurt by the fall. I stopped at a house, 
shifted my clothes, and prayed with the people. If any of 
these people are awakened by my stopping there, all will be 
well." Such was Asbury, and such his early toils and suf- 
ferings in New England. He belongs to our history as well 
as to that of every other portion of the church, and the per- 
sonal incidents of his official visitations to the East are no 
insignificant illustrations of the times and the man. 

The Lynn and Tolland Conferences formed the following 
plans of labor for the ensuing year : 

Ezekiel Cooper, FMer ; Boston^ Amos G. Thompson ; 



I 



ECCLESIASTICAL YEAR 1793-4. 181 

I^eedham, Jolin Hill ; Lynn^ Jordan Rexford ; G-reenwich, 
David Kendall, Enoch Mudge ; Warren, Philip Wager ; 
Province of Maine and Lynn, Jesse Lee. 

George Roberts, Mder ; Hartford, George Pickering, 
Joshua Hall ; JVew London, G. Roberts, R. Swain, T. Ald- 
ridge ; Middletoivn, Joshua Taylor, Benjamin Fidler ; Litch- 
field, Lemuel Smith, Daniel Ostrander ; Tolland, Joseph 
Lovel. Besides these, there were three New England circuits 
within the Albany District, under the Presiding Eldership of 
Thomas Ware, viz : G-ranville, Hezekiah Woorster and Ja- 
son Perkins ; Pittsfield, James Covel and Zadok Priest ; and 
Fairfield, Aaron Hunt and James Coleman. The Itinerant 
field in New England comprehended, then, the present year, 
two Districts and part of a third, fourteen Circuits and 
stations, and twenty-five laborers. 

Eminent names distinguish this brief list. The veteran 
who heads it, Ezekiel Cooper, lived until the present year, 
having the peculiar and signal distinction of being the old- 
est member of any Methodist Conference in the new hemis- 
phere, and only one survived in the old world who had ^yq- 
ceded him.* Ezekiel Cooper was born in Caroline Co., Md., 
February 22d, 1673. His father was an officer in the Revo- 
lutionary army. When Ezekiel was about fourteen years of 
age, Rev. Freeborn Garrettson came into the neighborhood, 
and proposed to preach. The soldiers were at that time up- 
on duty ; they were drawn up in front of the house, formed 
into a hollow square, while Garrettson stood in the centre 
and preached. During his sermon his attention was attract- 
ed by the thoughtful aspect of a boy, leaning upon a gate, 
and apparently absorbed in Hstening to the discourse. That 
boy became the distinguished Cooper. 



* Matthew Lumb, the oldest Wesleyan preacher of England, entered the Itinerant 
Ministry two years before Mr. Cooper. He died soon after Mr. Cooper's decease. 

16 



182 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

He commenced his Itinerant ministry in 1785, on Long 
Island Circuit. In 1786 he travelled East Jersey Circuit. 
There were then but ten Methodist preachers in the entire 
State, and only about twelve hundred members, but when he 
died, New J ersey had become an Annual Conference, with 
one hundred and forty preachers, and more than thirty thou- 
sand members. After 1785, Mr. Cooper travelled successive- 
ly Trenton, N. J., Baltimore, Annapolis, Md., (two years,) 
and Alexandria, D. C, circuits. We miss him in the Minutes 
of 1792, but in 1793 he re-appears in them as Presiding Eld- 
er, Boston District. He was appointed to this District in 
August, but arrived in New England at least four months be- 
fore, as Lee records in his Journal, that, on the 18th of 
March, after he had preached in Boston, " Bro. E. Cooper 
exhorted, and his words seemed to have much weight with 
the hearers." * His District comprehended the whole Metho- 
dist field in the eastern portion of New England, taking in 
the Province of Maine, and extending to the mouth of the 
Providence River. His labors are gratefully remembered by 
many of our oldest members. His word was in great power, 
and often characterized by profound theological exposition — 
such as interested New England taste, by its metaphysical 
acumen, while it smote the conscience by its hortative force. 
On leaving the East, Mr. Cooper labored at Brooklyn and 
New York, with the veteran Lawrence McCoombs, an early 
and laborious preacher in New England, and subsequently, 
till his death, the coadjutor of Mr. Cooper in the Philadelphia 
Conference. 

He spent four years in Philadelphia and Wilmington, two at 
each respectively, and in 1799 took charge of the Book busi- 
ness of the church, as Editor and General Agent." His 



* Memoirs, Chap. xii. 



ECCLESIASTICAL TEAR 1793-4. 



183 



abilities for this office were soon shown to be of the highest 
order; he gave to our " Book concern " that impulse and orga- 
nization which subsequently rendered it the largest publish- 
ing establishment in the New World. After managing its in- 
terests with admirable success for six years, during which its 
capital stock had risen from almost nothing to 45,000 dol- 
lars, he resumed his Itinerant labors and continued them in 
Brooklyn, New York city, Wilmington, Del., Baltimore, &c., 
for eight years, when he located. He remained in the latter 
relation during eigtit years, when he re-entered the effective 
ranks, but was soon afterwards placed on the supernumerary 
list in the Philadelphia Conference. He continued, however, 
for many years to perform extensive service, traversing many 
Circuits, visiting the churches, and part of the time superin- 
tending a District. During the latter years of his life he re- 
sided in Philadelphia, illustrating, in a hoary age, the gospel 
which he preached with such pre-eminent ability in the years 
of his vigor. 

Mr. Cooper's personal appearance embodied the finest idea 
of age, intelligence and piety, combined. His frame was tall 
and shght, his locks white with years, his forehead high and 
prominent, and his features expressive at once of benignity, 
subtlety and serenity. A wen had been enlarging on his 
neck from his childhood, but without detracting from the pe- 
culiarly elevated and characteristic expression of his face. 
He was considered by his ministerial associates, a " living 
Encyclopaedia," in respect not only to theology, but most other 
departments of knowledge, and his large and accurate infor- 
mation was only surpassed by the range and soundness of his 
judgment. He sustained a prominent position in the annals 
of the church, during both its adversity and its prosperity ; 
the delineation of his remarkable character should devolve 



184 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



upon an able hand, and will form an important feature in the 
history of our cause. 

A correspondent, who had the mournful satisfaction of fol- 
lowing him to the grave, writes as follows, of his latter years 
and death. 

" After becoming superannuated, he labored extensively in the work, 
preaching at camp-meetings, quarterly-meetings, and other occasions, 
With great power and success. He continued to preach occasionally, 
till near the close of life, with general acceptability and profit to the 
people. His sickness was rather short than otherwise, nor could I learn 
that his sufferings were very severe. When asked, respecting his 
state of mind, he invariable answered, 'calm and peaceful.' On one 
occasion, after having been engaged in prayer some time, he broke out 
in praise, and shouted aloud, ' Hallelujah ! hallelujah ! ' for about a 
dozen times. On a subsequent occasion, his joy was greatly extatic, and 
he praised God aloud. For a few days before he died, he said little, but 
was calm and peaceful, till on Sunday, the 21st of February, 1847, the 
weary wheels of life stood still at last, and he sweetly fell asleep in 
Jesus. He was a man of respectable connections, a mind disciplined in 
early life, of great logical and argumentative powers, fully stored by 
reading and obversation, and a most powerful antagonist to those who 
would encounter him. In the defence and publication of truth, he 
never shrank or faltered, and as he was a companion and fellow-laborer 
with Jesse Lee, in New England, he was often called upon to contend 
against the errors of the times, both in public and private. Through 
his whole Christian life and ministry, he sustained a high reputation ; 
full of years, and covered with glory, he fell in his Master's service, 
and entered upon his reward, aged eighty-four years, and in the sixty- 
second of his ministry. May many of his sons in the ministry catch 
his falling mantle." * 

Enoch Mudge still lives, and bears among us a distinction 
scarcely less peculiar and less honorable than that of the ven- 
erable Cooper. Generations of our people have gone to the 
grave since he entered the ministry, and nearly all his 
earhest ministerial compeers have passed away, but he still 
remains in a sanctified old age — with a hoary head, which is 
indeed a crown of glory," and with the distinguishing hon- 
or, never, from the very nature of the case, to be shared by 



* Letter of Rev. Wm. Livesey to the Editor. 



ECCLESIASTICAL YEAR 1793-4. 



185 



any other, of having been the first native Methodist ^preacher 
of New England. He was born in Lynn, Mass., on the 21st 
of June, 1776, and is a direct descendant on the maternal 
side, from one of the first white settlers of his native town. 
A modest sketch of his life, prepared at the instance, and for 
the sole use of a beloved child, has fallen into our hands, 
from which we compile brief extracts, only regretting that our 
limits compel us to leave the most of its delightful pages for the 
hand which shall hereafter favor the church with a fuller por- 
trait of our beloved friend, when his departure to heaven will 
allow it to be drawn in its appropriate completeness. 

" O, what a mercy," he exclaims in the record before us, " that I was 
born of parents that feared the Lord, and consecrated me early to him ; 
if they did not fully know the way of the Lord when I was born, their 
hearts were imbued with his fear. I distinctly recollect, that among 
my first impressions were those made by their pious efforts to give me 
just views of the goodness of my Heavenly Father, and the great 
benevolence of my kind and gracious Redeemer. These are among ray 
first reminiscences. Early as these impressions were made, I verily be- 
lieve they were accompanied with the visitations of the Holy Spirit, 
and that they were never effaced. When alone, when afflicted in all 
the small vexations and trials of childhood, these little lessons were the 
guardian angels and companions of life — mingled with much child- 
ishness, and, doubtless, with some superstition, yet the seeds of truth 
were there. They germinated, they sprung up as tender blades ; the 
feeble branches of good desire, childish hope, and infant devotion were 
regarded by him who has said, ' I will not break the bruised reed, nor 
quench the smoking flax.' Had my parents at this time known the 
way of truth perfectly, they doubtless had observed and cherished the 
fruits of their first pious effort with such instruction and prayers as 
would have been peculiarly seasonable and useful. While truth 
and grace were thus struggling for an early existence, all that is natu- 
ral to an unrenewed heart was working in their usual courses, checked, 
indeed, but not subdued. When in my fifteenth year, the Rev. Jesse 
Lee came to Lynn ; my parents were among the first to hear and welcome 
the joyful tidings of a gospel which they never before had known in such 
richness. They were both brought into the liberty of the truth. 'J'he 
fruits of piety in them were clearly discerned by me ; I desired to 
taste and know that the Lord was good. Now prido, fear and shame, 
little suspected before, were felt to have the mastery. Mr. Lee's 
preaching was affecting, searching, humbling, soothing and instructing. 
I longed to have him talk with me, but dared not put myself in his Avay, 

16* 



186 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



I resolved and re-resolved to open my mind to him, but when the time 
came, my heart failed — my natural diffidence seemed all at once to in- 
crease to an alarming degree — yet I ventured to pray, to pray often 
and fervently against all the sins of my heart. I begged for grace to 
conquer them, but the burden of my prayer was for conviction. I longed 
to feel, know and lament, the sinfulness of sin, and to be pressed down 
with a sense of condemnation for its guilt. Under these feelings, I 
hardly dared to ask for pardon of sin, as I thought I had not sufficient 
sense of its evil, nor contrition for my ingratitude to God, and abuse 
of his mercy. About four months passed away in this manner. I 
heard preaching, went to class-meeting, and sought the company of se- 
rious persons — read and prayed much, but was constantly saying, 

' Here I repent and sin again, 
Now I revive, and now am slain,' &c. 

I began seriously to fear I should never know the joys of pardoned sin, 
never have an evidence of acceptance with God. When fear, gloom 
and despair began to hover over me, at a cJass-meeting, Mr. John Lee, 
Avho was truly a son of consolation, seeing my case, was enabled to 
pour in the balm of divine truth, and lead my thirsty soul to the foun- 
tain of grace, opened in the atonement for poor, weary, and heavy-la- 
den sinners. I left the meeting with a ray of hope, retired and poured 
out my soul before God. Access was granted, and encouragement 
dawned amid the darkness. I feared to go to sleep lest I should lose 
the tender and encouraging views and feelings I had. I had little sleep, 
arose early and went forth for prayer. My mind became calm, tranquil 
and joyful. I was insensibly led forth in praise and gratitude to 
God. 1 drew a hymn book from my pocket and opened on the one that 
commences with, 

- ' O joyful sound of gospel grace, 
Christ shall in me appear j 
I, even I, shall see his face ; 
I shall be holy here.' 

The whole hymn seemed more like an inspiration from heaven than 
any thing of which I had a conception. I could only read a verse at a 
time, and then give vent to the gushing forth of joy and grateful 
praise. In this way I went through it. But I said to myself, What is 
this ? Is it pardon ? Is it acceptance with God ? I cannot tell — 
but I am unspeakably happy ! I dared not to say this is conversion. It 
is what I have sought and longed for ; but O, timt I could always be 
thus grateful to God, and have my heart flow forth in such a tide of 
love to my Savior. During the day, which was the 16th of September, 
1791, I often sought to be alone to give vent to my feelings. At evening 
I sought to unbosom myself to a young man with whom I was familiar 
on these subjects. As soon as I had told him he burst into tears, and 
said, ' O, Enoch, God has blest your soul, do pray for me, that I may 



ECCLESIASTICAL YEAR 1793-4. 



187 



partake of the love, peace and joy, God has given you.' And now for 
the first time, my voice was heard in praying with another. My faith 
became confirmed, and I went on with increasing consolation and 
strength. In this state of mind I could not be content to enjoy such 
a heavenly feast alone ; I took opportunity to speak to my young friends 
and acquaintances on the subject of religion, and recommend its ways 
as pleasant and delightful. When in prayer-meetings, I was pressed 
in spirit to pray for, and exhort them ; God blessed the feeble eflforts. 
A goodly number embraced the Savior, and devoted their lives to his 
service. I heard Mr. Lee preach from this text : II. Tim. 2 : 19, " Let 
every one that nameth the name of Chirst, depart from iniquity." I 
felt the privilege and obligation of having been consecrated to God by 
parents, and of making a surrender of myself to him. It was with fear 
and trembling I went forward to the holy communion. But the Lord 
blessed his word and ordinance to me, and I found wisdom's ways pleasant 
and all her paths peace. I felt the need of mental and moral cultivation, 
and applied my mind to it, but have reason to lament the want of a 
judicious instructor, and of such means as would be best adapted to 
my case. 

Under the parental roof, where prayer and praise was the delightful 
and daily employ of the family, when my father happened to be from 
home, my older brother and myself led the family devotions. O, how 
I bless God for the privilege of thus early aflfording encouragement to 
the hearts of my pious parents, who had so often prayed for me and 
their children with tears and sighs." 

The economy of our church is peculiarly adapted to call out 
talent and direct it to its appropriate sphere. Its numerous 
minute services, in which every member is expected to share 
as he is able, bring into manifestation, generally, the whole 
ability of its members. From praying in the prayer-meet- 
ing, they rise to be Class Leaders, Exhorters, and, if God 
grants them gifts and the call of his Spirit, Local, and finally 
Travelling Preachers. Mr. Mudge passed through these gra- 
dations. Marblehead, Maiden, Boston, and other places, 
were often visited by him, at the request of Mr. Lee ; he be- 
gan by " exhorting " at their social meetings, and, in time, 
expounded the Scriptures in their pulpits, applying him- 
self, mean'while, to his appropriate studies. 

In August 1st, 1793, the New England Conference held 
its session in Lynn. Here he was received on trial, and ap- 



188 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



pointed to Greenwich Circuit, R. I. Warren and Green- 
wich Circuits, were united, and included all the State of 
Rhode Island, and all the towns in JMassachusetts as far east 
as Bridgewater, Middleborough, &c. 

" This," he writes, " was a most important crisis in my life. I was 
a youth in my eighteenth year, leaving my father's house, from which I 
had not been absent a week at a time, in the course of my life. The 
Methodists were a denomination little known — generally opposed 
and disputed in every place they approached. Never had a preacher 
of this order been raised up in New England before. All eyes were 
opened for good or for evil. Hopes, fears and reproaches were alive 
on the subject. My friends felt and prayed much for me ; but my own 
mind was keenly sensible of the importance of the undertaking. Anx- 
iety and incessant application to duty, brought on a distressing pain in 
my head, and finally threw me into a fever, within two weeks after 
leaving home. The Lord was gracious and kept my mind in a state 
of resignation and peace. I felt that it was a chastening for reluctance 
to duty, and strove to be more entirely devoted to the work. I was very 
sick lor a short time, but got out as soon as possible. It had been re- 
ported that I was dead, and one man, who felt an interest in my case, 
came to the house to make arrangements for ray funeral. When I set 
out on my Circuit again, I was scarce able to sit on my horse, and suf- 
fered much through weakness and distress, occasioned by riding. T met 
with much better acceptance than I feared. The youth m almost 
every place appeared serious and tender under the word, and probably 
much of my acceptance among the older class of my hearers, was owing 
to the interest excited among the children. With feelings of unuttera- 
ble gratitude, I returned at the close of the year to my father's house, 
in peace, health and gladness of heart, to see my friends, and attend 
Conference. Never did my parents appear so dear. Never did tiie 
quiet and retired scenes of home appear so valuable. But I had no 
home now! I felt I was but a visitor. It would be as useless as impos- 
sible, to try to describe my emotions. With a heart ready to burst with 
yearning for home, and the early attachments of my first Christian 
friendship, I left for my new appointment on New London Circuit, 
which required about three hundred miles travel to compass it. I at- 
tended Conference at Wilbraham, September 8th, 1794, and went thence 
in company with Jesse Lee, to New London, and commenced my labors. 
Here was a very laborious field for three preachers. The Senior 
preacher, Wilson Lee, was taken sick, and called off from his la- 
bors. I had daily renewed cause of gratitude for the abundant good- 
ness of God, to such a feeble, utterly unworthy instrument as he gra 
ciously deigned to use for the good of precious souls. Riding, visit- 
ing, preaching, class and prayer-meetings, took up the time every day 



ECCLESIASTICAL YEAR 1793-4. 



189 



in the week. After the second quarter was past, which I felt was prof- 
itable to me, and I hope to many others, I went to supply the place of 
a preacher who had left Litchfield Circuit, Mass., and after going- once 
round, I passed to Granville, Conn. This was an extensive Circuit, and 
required much labor. Here 1 had the happiness of having the Rev. 
Joshua Taylor as a fellow-laborer. He was a pious, discreet, exempla- 
ry, good preacher. I derived instruction and profit by a brotherly in- 
tercourse with him. On this Circuit, also, I first became acquainted 
with Timothy Merritt, before he was a preacher. His piety and de- 
votedness to God and the cause of religion, gave an earnest of his fu- 
ture usefulness. He began to preach the next year. Our next Confer- 
ence was held at New London. Here I received Deacon's orders, and 
was appointed to Readfield Circuit, in the then Province of Maine. 
Long rides and bad roads, crossing rivers without ferry-boats, buffet- 
ting storms, breaking roads, sleeping in open cabins and log huts, 
coarse and scanty fare, all served to call out the energies of the mind 
and body. I assure you this was a pleasant task, and a soul-satisfying 
scene of labor, because the people were hungry for the word. His 
heart mast have been cold and unfeeling as stone, that could not thrill 
with delight at toil and privation, while received as an angel of mercy, 
and made welcome to such as those enjoyed, who received him for his 
Master's sake. O, my blessed Master ! may I not hope to meet many 
in thy kingdom who then, first, heard and embraced the word of truth. 
Preaching places multiplied, our borders were enlarged, the church 
increased — God prospered his cause. 

Readfield was the first place in the State of Maine, where a Method- 
ist meeting-house was erected. A glorious work was commenced, that 
has in its advancement, filled the land. It was on this circuit I formed 
an acquaintance with young Joshua Soule, now Bishop Soule. I had re- 
ceived his wife into society, on my first Circuit, when she was only about 
12 years old, and he was but about 16. He had a precocious mind 
— a strong memory, a manly and dignified turn, although his appear- 
ance was exceedingly rustic. In mentioning Mrs. Soule, I am re- 
minded of several pious young females who embraced religion on my first 
Circuit, and who afterwards became the wives of several distinguished 
preachers. Among these, were Mrs. Kent, Mrs. Soule, Mrs. Hill, Mrs. 
Ostrander, and Mrs. S. Hull. It is cheering to look over the scene, 
and recognize the children and children's children of those who then 
were brought into the church in its infancy. 

In 1796 our Conference was held at Thompson, in the State of Con- 
necticut. Here I received Elder's orders, although but just entering 
my twentieth year. I was stationed at Bath, in Maine. Jesse Lee, 
our Presiding Elder, went to the South, and was absent six months. I 
attended the Quarterly meetings, and went around the Circuits to ad- 
minister the ordinances. This was a year of incessant labor, great ex- 
posure and toil, so that towards its close, my health failed. Althougli 
stationed at Bath, I preached there but one or two Sabbaths. Tiie 
work in Maine being under my charge, in the absence of Brother Lee, 
I went to Penobscot, whither the appointed preacher declined going. 



190 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



He supplied Bath for me, and I went on to Penobscot, picked up some 
scattering appointments and opened others ; organized churches, sent 
for he]p,enlarged the field of labor, and had a prosperous year there. The 
Conference for 1797 was held in Wilbraham. The distance was so 
great, and the calls for labor so many, that I continued in the work at 
Penobscot. I was stationed at Pleasant River, to open a new Circuit 
in that region. The calls, however, being many and great, for preaching 
in the vicinity of Penobscot River, I opened many new fields of labor, 
in connection with the Penobscot Circuit, and Brother Timothy Merritt 
being stationed there, we continued our labors together on this Circuit, 
much enlarged — so that it was afterwards divided into several Cir- 
cuits and Stations. 

In August, 1798, our Conference was held in Readfield. I was now 
in poor health, but received a Station on Penobscot Circuit, with 
J. Tinnegan as a helper. Divine goodness strengthened me to con- 
tinue this year in the work, with some success, and much spiritual com- 
fort. I had to be much abroad, to administer ordinances and attend to 
the care of the societies. My mind became much tried, towards the 
close of the year, on the necessity of locating. I felt all the attach- 
ment of former days to the work. But exposure and excessive labor 
had rendered it impossible for me to travel as extensively as former- 
ly. The Circuits were large ; none were provided for receiving fami- 
lies. Our exchanges, in those days, were often from State to State, 
and from Conference to Conference. After much deliberation and 
prayer, I concluded to locate, and continue to labor in the region about 
home. Accordingly, in 1799, 1 was located. For several years we had 
young preachers stationed on the Penobscot and the neighboring 
places, and I made frequent visits abroad, to administer the ordinances, 
and assist the preachers. As many of the new settlements and socie- 
ties had grown up since I made Orrington the place of my residence, 
I was called on to attend funerals, and on other occasions served in all 
the region round about. 

From the time of locating, 1799, 1 continued to reside in Orrington. 
During these years of residence there, it pleased God to grant us sev- 
eral seasons of spiritual refreshing, both in that and the neighbor- 
ing towns. When I first went thither, there was no church of any 
denomination in the region, for many miles around ; and when I first or- 
ganized the church, and administered the ordinances of the gospel, 
there were young men and women present that had never seen a gos- 
pel ordinance administered. With the rapid increase of population 
and improvements, religion revived, and churches were multiplied, and 
many added to the Lord in different denominations ; and could we have 
been supplied with a sufficient number of able ministers, it appeared 
as if a large portion of the population would have united with us in 
public worship and Christian union. I had several attacks of sickness 
during that time, and finally my system became run down by a severe 
rhuematic affection, producing distressing spasmodic fits." 



During his ministry in Maine, Mr. Mudge, notwithstand- 



ECCLESIASTICAL YEAR 1793-4. 



191 



ing his characteristic amenity, had trials as -well as labors in 
the cause of his Lord. He was twice involved in law-suits. 

The first case was for consecrating a marriage. It was 
assumed that Methodist ministers had no legal right to join 
persons in marriage, our preachers had been threatened 
with prosecutions, and one or two left their Circuits to avoid 
them. Mr. Mudge determined to take the first opportunity 
of having the question put to a legal decision, and according- 
ly, not only performed the ceremony, but invited, or rather 
indicated, that he was determined to stand a suit for so doing. ' 
He was accordingly prosecuted, and brought before a Jus- 
tices' Court. He employed no attorney, but being called 
upon to answer to the charge, addressed the court in a few 
words, stating that he had joined persons in marriage, but not 
as set forth in the writ ; that he was a regularly ordained 
minister of the gospel, proof of which he was ready to exhibit. 
He plead that the warrant ought to be quashed, and that 
he ought not to be holden to answer to it, because it was er- 
roneous as to the names of the persons and places mentioned 
therein, and false in its averments that he was no minister 
and had no legal right to consecrate marriage, &c. But that, 
should his Honor see fit to overrule these pleas, he reserved 
all other pleadings for a higher court. After a short demur, 
his Honor said : " Mr. Mudge, as you appeal to Csesar, to 
Caesar you must go." " He made out a bond for me," says 
Mr. Mudge, " to recognize my obHgation to appear at the 
Supreme Judicial Court, but I replied, ' I have no bondsmen, 
nor shall I seek any.' This I did, because I did not believe 
he would be willing to take the responsibility of sending me 
to prison. He instantly turned to the Clerk and to another 
Justice, and said, ' Mr. S. and Esquire F., you are doubtless 
willing to become bondsmen for Mr. M.' As both of them 
were friendly to me, they replied ' yes,' not knowing my pur- 



192 MEMOEIALS OF METHODISM. 

pose. Tliey probably thought my delicacy about asking any 
one to be my bondsman, had occasioned my declining. How- 
ever, all was done in apparent good feeling, and I deter- 
mined to appear, and did so, at some cost and trouble, for I 
had to ride sixty miles over a new and bad road. Old Gov- 
ernor Sullivan was then States' Attorney, and had, of course, 
to bring the cause against me, before the Grand Jury. The 
Justice who was my bondsman, was also a witness, as he had 
seen me marry persons. By him I got my certificates of or- 
dination in to the States' Attorney's hand and before the Grand 
J ury. They instantly pronounced it a malicious prosecution, 
and the action dropped." 

The other case involved the grave charge of defamation 
of character. He had occasion to reprove and exhort a com- 
pany of young people who had assembled for a ball or frol- 
ic." He cautioned them against indulgmg in the excesses 
which, it had been reported, a similar party in a neighbormg 
town had committed in making light of religious persons 
and ordinances." No names were mentioned, but a person 
present, who was bitterly opposed to the Methodists, proceed- 
ed to the neighboring village with such exaggerated reports as 
roused every enemy of jMethodism within it. Such, however, 
was the coolness of the persecuted preacher, that the 
prosecution was soon dropped ; the justice, after hearing the 
case, said, You have done perfectly right, Mr. Mudge ; " 
and most of the persecutors were afterwards converted to 
God, and became the most steadfast friends of the preacher, 
and devoted members of the church. Such instances of 
unreasonable persecution," writes Mr. Mudge, " tended 
greatly to awaken the sympathies of the more considerate, 
and, by di™e goodness and wisdom, led them to take a more 
decided stand for truth and righteousness ; by them the 
Methodists became more known and respected, and those who 



ECCLESIASTICAL YEAR 1793-4. 193 



at first opposed us, sooner or later became ashamed of their 
barbarity, and learned to esteem us." 

In 1811-12, a general sensation was produced by several 
instances of oppressive taxation for the support of the Con- 
gregational Ministry. The other denominations were arous- 
ed, and the Legislature of Massachusetts was petitioned from 
every quarter to afford relief from such oppressions. With 
a view to the promotion of their object, Mr. Mudge was 
elected a member of the Legislature, as were many other 
ministers of the gospel, of all dissenting denominations. The 
Speaker's table was loaded with petitions, and the result was 
the passage of what has since been called the Religious 
Freedom Bill. In 1815-16, he was again honored with an 
election to the Legislature. In the latter year, he concluded 
to remove from Maine, with a view, he writes, 

" To recover my health, or rather to leave my family in a situa- 
tion which I deemed more favorable for their comfort, in case of my 
decease, which appeared to be likely to take place at no distant pe- 
riod. The winter after moving to Lynn, I was more confined, and under 
the care of a physician, whose prescriptions, by the divine blessing-, 
were rendered peculiarly beneficial ; so that, by the time of the next 
Conference, I was able to take an appointment in Boston, where, by 
careful attention for two years, (1817-18,) although the duties of the 
station were arduous, I was much recruited in health. The Lord re- 
vived his work, and Brother Timothy Merritt and myself labored in 
much harmony, peace and comfort." 

At the Lynn Conference, 1819, he was stationed in Lynn, 
where," he writes, I found great pleasure in renewing my 
early acquaintance with those who were left of the first class 
of Methodists, with whom I united — it being, also, the first 
in this region of the country." He was elected at the same 
time a member of the State Convention for revising the con- 
stitution of Massachusetts. 

" Towards the close of the year," he writes, " the Lord began 
to pour out his Spirit. We had fasted, prayed, and struggled 
against various discouragements, but a bright morning of hope 

IT 



194 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



dawned, and I was re-appointed to Lynn, at the Nantucket Confer- 
ence. During this revival, about one hundred were received into 
the church, many of whom live, as lights and ornaments of our Zion. 
Such reminiscences are cheering to the worn traveller. At the Barre 
Conference, 1821, 1 received my station at Portsmouth, N. H. Here, 
although nothing remarkable occurred, I spent two years in a pleasant 
and comfortable manner, and left the church in peace. At Providence 
Conference, 1823, 1 was stationed at Providence. This, on the account 
of previous difficulties and divisions, was an appointment of importance. 
Thanks to the God of all grace and peace, I was not only enabled to 
live in peace with all men, but was enabled to conduct the affairs of 
our church in a peaceful and prosperous course for two years, and left 
them in great harmony. 

" At the Cambridge Conference, 1825, 1 was stationed at Newport. 
In 1827-28, I was stationed at East Cambridge. The next two years, 
1829-30, 1 was stationed at Duxbury. These were pleasant and profi- 
table years." 

In 1831, lie was appointed to Ipsmcli, Massachusetts, 
where he had labored about ten months, when he was called 
to the onerous and responsible charge of the seamen's chapel, 
in New Bedford. Of his usefulness in this sphere, and the 
hold which he acquired on the regard of all classes of citi- 
zens, we cannot speak here ; the task will devolve on an 
abler hand at a suitable time, when a fuller detail of his 
laborious life, and a more unreserved delineation of his 
rare and admirable character, w^ill, we trust, perpetuate in 
the church the fragrant memory of her first New England 
born evangelist. He continued at his post in New Bedford 
till 1844, when, having had two attacks of paralysis, he was 
compelled to resign it to a successor. He left that city mth 
the regrets and blessings of its whole community,* and now, 
at the mature age of seventy, has retired to his native town 
of Lynn, where, in the first Methodist society organized in 
Massachusetts, amidst the endearing reminiscences of his 

* Among many other demonstrations of respect, which he received at the time from 
various sources, the Selectmen of New Bedford, " impressed with a deep sense of the ad- 
vantages whicii the community has received from his devoted and judicious exertions, and 
with tlie conviction tliat his efforts have been highly elfective in promoting the peace, 
quietness and good order of the town," sent him a formal address of thanks. 



ECCLESIASTICAL TEAR 1793-4. 



195 



cliildliood, and the fellowsMp of the few veterans who^ still 
linger there from the days of Lee, he waits with cheerful 
piety for the summons which shall admit him to the company 
of his old co-laborers. 

Mr. Mudge is below the usual height in stature, stoutly 
framed, with a full round face healthfully colored, and ex- 
pressive of the perfect benignity and amiability of his spirit. 
His undiminished, but silvered hair, crowns him with a highly 
venerable aspect. In manners, he would have been a befit- 
ting companion for St. J ohn. The spirit of Christian charity 
imbues him ; hopefulness, cheerfulness, entire rehance on God, 
confidence in friends, extreme care to give no offence, and 
a fehcitous relish of the reliefs and comforts of green old 
age, are among his marked characteristics. He has been 
distinguished by fine pulpit qualifications — fertility of thought, 
a warmth of feeling without extravagance, a peculiar richness 
of illustration, and a manner always self-possessed and mark- 
ed by the constitutional amenity of his temper. None were 
ever wearied under his discourses. He has pubhshed a vol- 
ume of excellent sermons for mariners, and many poetical 
pieces of more than ordinary merit. 



CHAPTER XI. 



FUETHER SKETCHES OF THE MINISTRY OF 
1793-4. 

George Pickering — His Life — Character — Death — Daniel Ostrander — His great La- 
bors — Hezekiah Calvin Woorster — The Power of his Ministry — Zadok Priest — 
Joshua Hall — Amos G. Thompson — Benjamin Fisler — John Hill — Joseph Lovell — 
Jason Perkina. 

The name of another " prince and great man " in Is- 
rael, appears for the first time in the New England appoint- 
ments of this year — the venerable name of George Picker- 
ing, who also bore a pecuhar and noble distinction in the 
church. During the last year of his life, he was the oldest ef- 
fective Methodist preacher in the world. At the time of his 
death, December 1846, there were but two members of 
American Conferences* who had preceded him in the minis- 
try, and but fourteen in England. All these, however, had 
retired from active service, leaving him with the signal dis- 
tinction we have mentioned. When he entered New Eng- 
land, there were but eighteen Methodist preachers within 

* They were Ezekiel Cooper, of Philadelphia Conference, and Joshua Wells, of Balti- 
more Conference. It is a fact worthy of remark, that these three oldest members of Amer- 
ican Conferences, in 1846, were laborers for longer or shorter periods in New Eng- 



SKETCHES OF THE MINISTRY. 



197 



what are now called the New England Conferences ; when he 
fell, it was at the head of a band of six hundred and thirty- 
six, most of whom had been raised up by the instrumentahty 
of himself and his colleagues. The membership within the 
same limits, was not five hundred at his arrival, but he de- 
parted amidst the benedictions of more than sixty-six thousand. 
For more than half a century, he stood among our churches, 
not only an active agent, but a striking, personal exemplifica- 
tion of primitive Methodism. He was looked upon with rev- 
erence as a living monument of our whole history. Unique 
alike in character and historical position, he presents himself 
to our consideration, with rare interest, and though he has 
left but the scantiest data for any memorial of his remarkable 
life, it is not befitting that such a man should descend to the 
grave without some commemorative record, however imper- 
fect. 

In the semi-centennial sermon of his ministry, delivered 
before the New England Conference in 1840, at Lowell, 
Mass., he said : 

" I was born in Talbot County, Md., in 1769, brought up in Philadel- 
phia, and converted in St. George's Church, in that city, at the age of 
eighteen. I commenced preaching immediately ; joined the Confer- 
ence in 1790, and have continued an Itinerant minister, without interrup- 
tion, for more than fifty years. 

" When I joined, there was but about five, Conferences, two hundred 
and twenty-seven travelling preachers, forty-six thousand white, 
and eleven or twelve thousand colored members. Five or six only 
of those ministers are now living, and I only continue in the Itin- 
erancy. My first Circuit was one of four weeks, called the North- 
ampton Circuit, Va. That year, our increase in the connection was 
eighteen thousand. In 1791, I was appointed to the Caroline Circuit, 
between the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays. 

" I was stationed in Boston in 1796, and preached in a private room 
till we built the church, in what was called ' Methodist Alley.' Thence, 
I went to Needham Circuit, and then took charge of the New England 
District, which included all of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New 
Hampshire, and Vermont, as far as Montpelier. 

" I am now an old man, and shall not labor much longer with you. 

IT* 



198 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



But go on, my brethren, — preach Jesus, — preach with the Holy- 
Ghost. Preach to the people the blessed doctrine of holiness ; it is 
the only thing that will hind the Methodist church together. 

" Pray for me, my brethren, and the blessing of an old man be upon 
you." 

There is a long hiatus in this statement, which we can sup- 
pl}^, however, from the Annual Minutes. After travelling 
Caroline Circuit, during 1791, he labored one year on the Do- 
ver, Del., Circuit. In 1793, four years after the arrival of 
Lee, he came to New England, and was appointed to Hart- 
ford Circuit, as colleague of Joshua Hall, who still survives him. 

We give in detail his subsequent appointments — a striking 
example of Methodist Itinerancy. In 1794, Tolland ; 1795, 
Lynn ; 1796, Boston and Needham ; the following four years, 
Presiding Elder of the New England District, including the 
whole field of Methodism in the New England States, except 
Maine and Connecticut. We can scarcely form a conception, 
amidst the facilities of travelling in these days, of the vast 
journies and equal labors comprised in this extraordinary 
District. Commencing at Providence, it extended down the 
Providence River, taking in the appointments on both its 
shores, to Newport ; thence it reached to the islands of Mar- 
tha's Vineyard and Nantucket ; thence it swept the whole of 
Cape Cod, to Provincetown, and returning, took in all the 
eastern portion of Massachusetts, extended to all the interior 
appointments of the State, except one on its western bounda- 
ry, and penetrated through New Hampshire, to beyond the 
centre of Vermont. In 1801, he was appointed to Boston, 
Lynn and Marblehead ; 1802, Salisbury andHawke ; the fol- 
lowing four years, Boston District ; 1807, the city of Boston ; 
1809, he was Missionary at large ; then on Boston District, 
again, for four years ; 1813-14, Boston city ; the ensuing two 
years, Lynn ; 1817, Boston District, for four years ; the next 



SKETCHES OF THE MINISTRY. 199 

three years, Missionary at large ; 1844, Missionary at ISTew- 
buryport and Gloucester ; the next five years. Missionary at 
large ; 1830-31, Easton and Bridgewater ; 1832, Lowell ; 
1833, Cambridge ; 1834, Worcester ; 1835, Marblehead and 
Salem; 1836, Charlestown ; 183T, Watertown Mission; 
1838, Watertown and Waltbam ; 1839, Roxbury ; 1840-41, 
Weston; 1842, Saxonville ; 1843, Church street, Boston ; 
1844-45, Medford; 1846, North Reading — remarkable 
record of tireless travels, labors and privations, in the work 
of his divine Master, during fifty-seven years ! There is a 
severe and significant eloquence in this bare recital of names 
and dates, which no comments can enhance. 

Sixteen of these years were spent in travelling vast and 
most laborious Districts, and nine in the labors of a Mission- 
ary at large, besides several local Missionary appointments. 
His frequent appoinments as Missionary, were designed to af- 
ford him the opportunity of " breaking up new ground," as 
it was called — a species of labor in which he was pecuHarly 
successful. He sat in all the General Conferences of the 
church, (save two,) during forty years. In the delegations 
of 1836 and 1840, his venerable name, which had hitherto m 
every instance^ headed the New England list, was superseded 
by those of Orange Scott and Jotham. Horton^ respectively, 
— significant circumstances, — but in 1844 he took his seat 
again, and for the last time, in the highest assembly of the 
church, and witnessed the solemn catastrophe of its division. 
He had the honor to be one of the committee of the General 
Conference, in 1808, which first projected the formal organi- 
zation of a delegated General Conference. 

Most of our early preachers were compelled to locate, for 
the support of their families. By a fortunate and providen 
tial marriage, Mr. Pickeruig was saved from this common ne- 
cessity. 



200 



MEMOKIALS OF METHODISM. 



The town of Waltham, often referred to, hereafter, in 
these pages, is one of the most picturesque locahties in Mas- 
sachusetts ; a beautiful plain, adorned with foliage — washed 
on the south by the Charles River, and bordered on the north 
bj a range of highlands. A road gradually ascends from the 
plain, and winds among the farms and landscapes of these 
highlands. Pursuing it some two or three miles, the traveller 
reaches an avenue, or private road, which extends amidst at- 
tractive prospects, about half a mile, to a spacious and most 
comfortable looking mansion partially elevated on the side 
of a basin or natural amphitheatre, which is nearly a mile in 
diameter and adorned by charming scenery. The house it- 
self was, at an earlier day, encompassed by extensive orch- 
ards, whose fragrance in Spring surrounded it with an 
atmosphere of perfume. Here, in the first days of Method- 
ism, was the asylum of its laborious Itinerants in New Eng- 
land — the favorite retreat of Asbury, Whatcoat, Lee, 
Roberts, Hedding, &c. We shall, hereafter, frequently see 
the former wending his way, with a longing heart, to the tran- 
quil seclusion of this hospitable soHtude. 

The proprietor of the mansion, Mr. Abraham Bemis, was 
one of the first fruits of Methodism in the East. With an un- 
restrained liberality, he opened his doors for its evangelists, 
and for many years his house was alike their home and their 
temple. Hundreds gathered for years, in the shade of his 
orchards, to hear them preach; and many were there 
awakened and converted, including all Mr. Bemis' family, 
and most of his relations. The old Weston Society was form- 
ed under his roof — his name being the first on its roll. Like 
most of the families noted in those days for their entertainment 
of God's messengers, his hospitality returned in a hundred-fold 
prosperity ; his acres increased, and abundance surrounded 
him. He died at the advanced age of eighty-seven, triumph- 



SKETCHES OF THE MINISTRY. 201 

ant in the faith and hope of the gospel. His daughter, Mary 
Bemis, was converted in her seventeenth year, and, in 
her nineteenth, was married to George Pickering, to whom 
has since pertained the family mansion, and who, down 
to his death, maintained its primitive hospitality. Thus, fur- 
nished with a permanent and competent home for his family, 
he was at liberty to pursue his vocation as an ambassador of 
Christ.* 

George Pickering was a rare man in all respects. Any 
just delineation of him must comprehend the whole man, for 
it was not his distinction to be marked by a few extraordinary 
traits, but by general excellence. 

In person, he was tall, slight, and perfectly erect. His 
countenance was expressive of energy, shrewdness, self com- 
mand and benignity, and his silvered locks, combed precisely 
behind his ears, gave him, in his latter years, a strikingly 
venerable appearance. The exactitude of his mind extended 
to all his physical habits. In pastoral labors, exercise, diet, 
sleep and dress, he followed a fixed course, which scarcely 
admitted deviation. In the last respect, he was peculiarly 
neat, holding, with an old divine, that " cleanliness comes 
next to holiness." He continued to the last, to wear the 
plain Quakerlike dress of the first Methodist ministry, and 
none could be more congruous with the bearing of his per- 
son and his venerable aspect. His voice was clear and power- 
ful, and his step firm, to the end. 

His intellectual traits were not of the highest, but of the 
most useful order. Method was, perhaps, his strongest men- 
tal habit, and it comprehended nearly every detail of his 
daily life. His sermons were thoroughly skeletonized. His 
personal habits had the mechanical regularity of clock-work. 



* Our Artist, Nutting, of Boston, has given an excellent engraving of Pickering's Home- 
stead, on the title page. 



202 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



During his Itinerant life, he devoted to his family, at Wal- 
tham, Mass., a definite portion of his time ; but even 
these domestic visits were subjected to the most unde- 
viating regularity. During fifty years of married fife, 
he spent, upon an average, but about one fifth of his time 
at home — an aggregate of ten years out of fifty ! The 
rigor of his habits may, indeed, have been too severe. It 
reminds us of the noble, but defective virtue of the old 
Roman character. If business called him to the town of 
his family residence, at other times than those appropri- 
ated to his domestic visits, he returned to his post of labor 
without crossing the threshold of his home. In that terrible 
calamity, which spread gloom over the land — the burning 
of the steamer Lexington, by night, on Long Island Sound — 
he lost a beloved daughter ; the intensity of the affliction 
was not capable of enhancement, yet he stood firmly on his 
ministerial watch-tower, though with a bleeding heart, while 
his family, but a few miles distant, were frantic with anguish. 
Not till the due time did he return to them ; when it arrived, 
he entered his home with a sorrow-smitten spirit — pressed in 
silence the hand of his wife, and, without uttering a word, 
retired to an adjacent room, where he spent some hours in sol- 
itude and unutterable grief. Such a man reminds us of Bru- 
tus, and in the heroic times would have been commemorated 
as superhuman. 

The trait next prominent ni the character of his mind, was 
its perspicacity. He pretended to no subtlety, and was sel- 
dom, if ever, known to preach a metaphysical discourse. The 
literal import of the Scriptures, and its ob^dous apphcations 
to experimental and practical religion, formed the substance of 
his sermons. Perspicuity of style resulted from this perspi- 
cacity of thought. The most unlettered listener could have 
no difficulty in comprehending his meanmg, and the children 



SKETCHES OF THE MINISTRY. 203 

of his audience, generally shared the interest of his adult 
hearers. Bombast and metaphysical elaborateness in the pul- 
pit, he silently but profoundly contemned, as indicating a lack 
both of good sense and disinterested purpose in the preacher. 
A man of few words is either a sage or an imbecile ; George 
Pickering was seldom, if ever, known to occupy three min- 
utes at a time in the discussions (usually so difius e) of the 
Annual Conferences, and the directness of his sentences, and 
the pertinent sense of his counsels, always indicated the prac- 
tical sage. 

Prudence, almost unerring prudence, was another marked 
attribute of his mind. It is possible he may not have seen, 
as clearly as some of his brethren, the propriety of several 
recent public measures — old men cling tenaciously to the 
routine of old courses — but if not sagacious at seizing new 
opportunities, he was almost infallibly perfect in that negative 
prudence which secures safety and confidence. No man who 
knew him, would have apprehended surprise or defeat in any 
measure undertaken by him, after his usual deliberation. 
His character was full of energy, as his labors indicate ; but 
it was the energy of the highest order of minds — never war 
vering, never impulsive. He would have excelled in any de- 
partment of public life which requires chiefly wisdom and vir- 
tue. As a statesman, he would always have been secure, if 
not successful ; as a military commander, his whole character 
would have guarantied that confidence, energy, discipline 
and sagacity which win victory more efiectually than hosts. 

In combination with these characteristics, and forming no 
unfavora])le contrast with them, was his well-known Immor, 
We have already referred to, and attempted to account for, 
the prevalence of this trait among the early members of our 
ministry. It seemed natural to the constitution of Mr. Pick- 
ering's mind. In him, however, it was always benevolent. 



204 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



In a long acquaintance, we never knew it once to take the 
form of satire. It was that " sanctified wit," as it has been 
called, which pervades the writings of Henry, Fuller, and 
other early rehgious authors in our literature ; and the smile 
excited by it in the hearer, was caused more by an odd and 
surprising appropriateness in his remarks or illustrations, than 
by any play of words or pungency of sentiment. 

The moral features of his character were pre-eminent, and 
yet we feel a difficulty in attempting to discriminate them. 
They blended too much into a whole, to admit of individual 
prominence. No one virtue stood out in relief amidst a mul- 
titude of contrasting defects. The best designation we can 
give of his character is, that it was uniform and coin^Me in- 
tegrity, and this comprehensive estimate will need no qualifi- 
cation to any one who knew him intimately. In most monu- 
mental structures, we can distinguish the component parts, 
but in the sublime obelisk which commemorates, on Bunker's 
Hill, the birth of our liberty, we see no pedestal, cornice or 
capitol. The enduring granite that forms its foundation, 
rises a severe, but noble unity, till it tapers away to the skies. 
It is a fitting symbol of the moral character of this extraordi- 
nary man. Had he lived in the days of the Koman Com- 
monwealth, he might have competed with Cato for the Censor- 
ship; not so much, however, from his rigorous construction of 
the morals of others, as by the rigorous perfection of his own. 

In his religious character he was unaffectedly and pro- 
foundly devout. He had an unwavering Faith in the evan- 
gelical doctrines. " Christ, and him crucified," was the joy 
of his heart, the ground of his hope, and the theme of his 
preaching. His zeal was ardent, but steady — never flicker- - 
ing through fifty -seven years of ministerial labors and travels. 
It gave peculiar energy to his discourses. For more than 
half a century his armor was never off, but he was always 



SKETCHES 



OP THE MINISTRY. 



205 



ready for every good word and work. He was incessant in 
prayer^ and whoever heard from him a languid supplication ? 
He continued to the last the goodly habit, common among 
his early associates in the ministry, of praying after meals, in 
any company, however casual or vivacious the circle. He 
was a man of one work, the ministry of reconciliation — 
and of one purpose, the glory of God. 

It was befitting that the oldest efiective Methodist preach- 
er in the world should cease to live when he ceased to work. 
He fell in his fortress. After a week of illness and much 
pastoral labor, during which he was often compelled, by 
weakness, to repose on the road-side, he ascended the pulpil 
on the Sabbath ; but during the sermon he sunk down insensi- 
ble, and was carried from the church to his lodgings. The 
next day was the regular time for his periodical visit to his 
family. He started, therefore, the same Sabbath after- 
noon, for a village at the depot of the railroad on which he 
was to pass to his home the following morning. Though lan- 
guishing with a fever, he insisted on preaching that evening. 
It was a discourse of great power — his last proclamation of 
the " glorious gospel." 

On reaching his home, his fate was sealed. At one time, 
however, his symptoms were favorable, and his physician in- 
formed him that the crisis of the disease was past. He 
called his companion to his bedside, and ordered his clothes 
to be immediately prepared, that he might depart the next 
day to his charge. The ruling passion was strong in death. 

Better things were reserved for him. His work was 
done, and the reward at hand. He continued to decline 
during several weeks ; his faith, meanwhile, growing stronger, 
and his hope brighter, each day. His chamber became a 
sanctuary where the glory of God descended and abode. A 
18 



206 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



company of his Christian friends in Boston, including all the 
pastors of the city, visited him shortly before his departure. 
One of them has given the following description of their in- 
terview. 

" Such was his extreme feebleness, that visitors, and even audible 
devotional exercises had been almost entirely inadmissible in his 
chamber. It was feared, therefore, before our arrival, that it would be 
possible only for us to send up to him the assurance of our Christian 
regard, without the privilege of a personal interview. At his own re- 
quest, however, we were all permitted to approach his bedside. A 
scene ensued there, which no pen can describe. As it was impossible 
for him to address the visitors individually, one of them was designated 
to speak to him in behalf of all ; but under the necessary restriction of 
doing so in the briefest possible manner. On taking the hand of the 
aged sufferer, he opened his eyes, and showed his recognition of the 
brother addressing him, by tears of affection. The following brief 
conversation ensued. 

" Beloved father, a number of your ministerial brethren are present, 
and have requested me to express to you their Christian affection and 
sympathy." 

He replied, with strong emphasis and tears, " I thank you ; you all 
have a high place in my affection." 

" They are happy to learn that in this your extremity, you still re- 
joice in hope of the glory of God." 

"Yes! Oyes!" 

" That you feel that the sting of death is extracted." 
" Yes ! O yes ! " 

" And that you can resign yourself fully into the hands of your Lord." 
" Yes, O yes ; glory be to his name ! " 

Grasping the hand of the brother addressing him, with still firmer 
hold, he then, with tears and sobs, exclaimed : — 

" You all have my high esteem and affection. Tell, O tell the breth- 
ren to preach Christ and him crucified — an all-able, all-powerful, all- 
willing, all-ready Savior — a present Savior, saving now. Preach, Now 
is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation. O, tell them to 
preach holiness ; holiness is the principal thing. Preach holiness, ho- 
liness, holiness — God enable you to preach holiness." 

His emotions overcame him — he attempted to say more, but the 
brother conducting the conversation, closed it by saying: — 

" We thank God, dear father, for the good testimony and counsel we 
have been permitted to receive from you — we shall never forget it. 
We regret that your condition will not allow us to linger longer with 
you ; trusting that the agitation of your feelings will not injure you, 
we take our leave, to meet you in heaven. God bless you ! Farewell ! " 

The scene was touching and sublime — a hoary and heroic veteran 
of the cross was standing between both worlds, about to disappear 



SKETCHES OF THE MINISTRY. 



207 



from his fellow-laborers forever, on earth. Full of years, and vir- 
tues, and services, he was now victorious over death and giving his 
departing counsels to his brethren. We broke away from the room, so 
near the gate of heaven, with deep emotions, and assembled in the par- 
lor below, where we sung, within reach of his hearing, 

" On Jordan's stormy banks I stand," &.c. 

After which, the company knelt in prayer, and committing the venera- 
ble saint, his family and ourselves, to God, we returned to the city, 
thanking God, " who giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus 
Christ," and feeling that we had enjoyed a memorable day. 

The hero of so many fields, died as he had lived — victori- 
ous. His last distinct utterance was, " All mj affairs for time 
and eternity are settled. Glory be to God ! " And the last 
whisper caught by his attendants, was the word " Glory ! " 

A man of such character could not fail to be interesting 
in any position in life. He was interesting as a preacher. 
His word was in power, pungent with the truth of God, and 
a forceful directness of style. Not only in his earlier, but in 
his latter years, he ascended the pulpil with the energy of a 
workman that needeth not to be ashamed. After the intro- 
ductory devotions, and the announcement of his text, he 
usually closed the Bible, and placing the hymn book upon it, 
and his spectacles on the hymn book, entered into his 
discourse with a hearty earnestness which immediately ar- 
rested the attention of his hearers. As he proceeded, he 
warmed with his subject. At intervals, a unique illustration, 
or striking remark would kindle the attention of the audience 
with manifest vivacity, and often would his voice rise to the 
energy of youth, in words of admonition to his hearers, or 
adoration to his Lord. His subjects were the common ones, 
but his remarks were never common-place. Like all senten- 
tious men, he was brief, and never allayed the interest he 
had excited, by presuming too much upon it. 

He was interesting as a man. His conversation was al- 



208 



MEMOEIALS OP METHODISM. 



ways entertaining, abounding in incidents, anecdotes, pithy 
and sagacious remarks, and relieved by his tranquil humor. 
This latter trait gave a charming air of cheerfulness to his 
presence. It never marred his religious conversation, but 
was so peculiar to himself, that it seemed befitting, and so 
subdued and benign as not to be incongruous even -with evan- 
gelical topics. He was a perfect gentleman in manners. 
Above the grimace and ceremony of factitious politeness, he 
was, nevertheless, so marked by the dignity and propriety of 
his bearing, as to strike the attention of strangers, whether in 
company or in the casual salutations of the street, with the 
impression of a man to whom courtesy and propriety were as 
instincts. He was liberal to all Christians, of whatever name ; 
not to their errors, but to their persons — well knowing that 
bigotry in himself might be as offensive, in the sight of God, 
as heresy in his neighbors, and that imperious exclusiveness 
is not the most efficacious means of rectifying the faults of 
the erring. 

Such was George Pickering — pure in character, labori- 
ous in hfe, triumphant in death. 

Another well-known name occurs in this list of veterans — 
that of Daniel Ostrander. His prominence, for many 
years, in the New York Conference — where he continued until 
our own day, a representative of the earlier times — has iden- 
tified him in the public mind, with that body, and but few of 
the present generation of New England Methodists know any 
thing of his intimate connection with their early history. 
Daniel Ostrander was, nevertheless, one of the founders of 
Methodism in New England. He commenced his ministry 
within our limits, and spent the first thirteen years of it (save 
one) in sharing the trials and struggles of Lee, Roberts, 
Pickering, Mudge, Taylor, and their associates ; laboring in- 
defatigably in western Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode 



SKETCHES OF THE MINISTRY. 



209 



Island, and as far east as Boston. He was born, August 9tli, 
1772, in Plattekill, Ulster Count j, N. Y. His ancestors 
were Hollanders, and his whole career was an exemplification 
of the old Tuetonic vigor. Upon no other class of population 
did Methodism exert a more profound effect, and from none 
did it produce more indomitable laborers. 

Daniel Ostrander was converted in his sixteenth year, and 
from that date devoted his life wholly to God. He entered 
upon his ministerial travels in 1793, as colleague of Lemuel 
Smith, on Litchfield Circuit. In 1794, he travelled with 
Menzies Rainor the Middletown Circuit. The three follow- 
ing years he was successively on Pomfret, Conn., Warren, 
R. L, and Boston and Needham Circuits. In 1798, he re- 
turned to Pomfret, as colleague of Asa Heath, who still sur- 
vives him. The three succeeding years his appointments 
were Tolland, Pomfret and New York city. He next took 
charge, for two years, of the New London District, which 
comprehend, during a part of that time, the entire field of 
Methodism in Connecticut, except one Circuit, most of Rhode 
Island, and a portion of Massachusetts. On retiring from this 
District he entered Duchess Circuit, N. Y., where he con- 
tinued two years. 

From 1808 to 1827, he labored in Brooklyn ; Albany city, 
two years ; on Hudson River District, four years ; at Chat- 
ham ; New York city, four years ; New Rochelle ; Ashgrove 
District, four years, and Hudson River District, four years. 
In 1827 he re-entered New England, and superintended the 
New Haven District. The next year he presided over the New 
York District, which extended into the south western section 
of Connecticut. He continued in this responsible charge 
four years, at the expiration of which time, he was appointed 
to New York city, where he labored two years. The follow- 
ing two years he was at New Rochelle, and in 1836 became, 
18* 



210 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



for four years more, Presiding Elder of the New York Dis- 
trict. In 1840, he took charge of the Newburg District, 
where he continued till 1843, when he retired into the 
ranks of the superannuated, which then included, in the New 
York Conference, a goodly company of veterans, his compan- 
ions in the early struggles of Methodism in New England, 
such as B. Hibbard, Elijah Woolsey, John Crawford, Lewis 
Pease, Aaron Hunt, Eben Smith, Ebenezer Washburn, &c. 

"From the year 1793 to the year 1843," says his brethren of New 
York Conference,* " a full term of fifty years, so remarkably did the 
Lord preserve him, that only three Sabbaths in all that time was he 
disabled from pulpit service by sickness. Where, in the history of 
ministers, shall we find a parallel to this ? To record his services in 
all the places of his labor might be more tedious than interesting- ; suf- 
fice it to say, that for fourteen years he was on Circuits, eight years 
in Stations, (New York, Brooklyn and Albany,) and twenty-eight years 
in the weighty and responsible office of Presiding Elder. The Dis- 
tricts of New London, New Haven, Saratoga, Hudson River, New 
York, and Newburg, remember him with affection. His high stand- 
ing in the esteem of his brethren in Conference, appears from the fact, 
that since the establishment of the delegated General Conference in 
1808, they always elected him a member of that highest judicatory in 
our church, down to the year 1840, inclusive ; and never has his seat in 
an Annual Conference been vacant, during the forty-eight years that 
the writer of this article has known him, till called to his reward. The 
same is thought to have been the case, from the time of his admission 
as a member of this body. His firm integrity, sound judgment, and 
solid piety, won the confidence of his brethren. He identified himself 
with all the interests of the church, as a faithful and wise steward. 
Always at his post, and prompt to serve, whether on a Circuit, in a 
Station, in Quarterly Meetings, in Annual or General Conferences, 
and on all suitable occasions, his clear voice, his manly eloquence, his 
decision of mind, his sound arguments and his ardent zeal, all showed 
that he preferred Jerusalem above his chief joy ; yet it was in the pul- 
pit that his preference shone the brighest — so warm in delivery, 
sound in doctrine, clear in preaching, pungent in warning, heavenly in 
comforting, and graceful in encouraging, that hard must have been 
the heart in his audience that could sit unmoved, or go away unprofit- 
ed ; for a divine unction gave power to the word. Yea, we have heard 
him preach, with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven, till the shouts 
of saints and the cries of penitents mingled, completely drowned the 
highest strain of his stentorian vcfice. 



* xMinutes of 1813-4. 



SKETCHES OF THE MINISTRY. 



211 



" Such was Daniel Ostrander. Firmly, faithfully, and wisely, did he 
hold on to the plough, nor look back till called into his heavenly rest. 
He was well schooled at an early day ; for the first nine years of his 
Itinerant life were spent, principally, among the sharp-eyed opponents 
of Methodism of that day, in New England, where the battles of con- 
troversy called into action all the heavenly armor so essentially neces- 
sary as a panoply of a Methodist preacher. There, in all his con- 
flicts, he proved himself a workman that needed not to be ashamed, 
rightly dividing the word of truth. It was there, too, that He, who 
gave Adam his Eve, gave our dear brother his excellent Mary Bowen, 
who had, in 1793, in the bloom of her youth, believed in Jesus and em- 
braced Methodism perseveringly, in defiance of all the persecution 
which her choice of this people involved her in, till shielded by the 
protection of so worthy a husband of such an excellent wife. Such 
M^ere Daniel and Mary Ostrander. Lovely in their lives, and in their 
death (almost) not divided ; for, in January, 1844, five Aveeks from the 
death of her husband, she triumphantly left the world and joined him 
in glory. 

" In the New York Annual Conference of 1843, we for the last time 
saw his face and heard his well-known voice. His fifty years' effective 
work was now done. We were not willing to lose him from the etfective 
list. A committee from the Conference waited on him, to know if he 
would try another year's voyage with us — but no : the same decision 
of mind which had characterized him through life, fixed him in his 
purpose to superannuate. The Circuit asked of him a semi-centennial 
sermon, to which he cheerfully consented. We heard it in the pres- 
ence of a numerous audience, in Allen Street Church, New York. As 
he had been, in a manner, the father of that charitable institution, the 
Mutual Assistance Society of the New York Conference, he remained 
President of it till his death. With this exception, he wisely laid aside 
all the high responsibilities of church offices, and retired : but for how 
short a time ! He preached, occasionally, on Sabbaths, until his last 
sickness, and on the 29th of August, 1843, at a camp-meeting near 
Newburg, he preached his last sermon, from Psalm 146 : 8 : ' The Lord 
openeth the eyes of the blind,' &c. It is said to have been an able 
discourse, and one of his happiest efforts. 

" Through the whole of the Summer he seemed to be ripening for 
glory, and soon after this last message his health failed, and his pa- 
tient, humble, tranquil mind seemed cheerfully to look forward to the 
approaching crisis to which he drew near with all that serenity which 
is common to the pure in heart, and died in perfect peace, in full pros- 
pect of his immortal crown ; for when, in view of eternity, he was 
asked if he was ready and willing to go, he replied, ' Yes, I know 
not any reason why I should not be.' This was the last sentence that 
he spoke, so completely was his strength exhausted. Yet when it was 
said to him that Jesus said, ' I am the resurrection and the life,' and 
that St. John saith, ' Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord,' he 
with joy glowing in his countenance exclaimed, ' Yes,' and when asked 
if Jesus was still precious, with his last £vnd utmost effort he cried, 



212 MEMORIALS OP METHODISM. 

' Yes I ' and peacefully fell asleep in Jesus. So lived, so labored, so 
suffered, and so died our beloved brother, Daniel Ostrander, literally- 
worn out in the best cause — his life, from sixteen years of age to 
seventy-two, a living sacrifice to God. Thousands will rise up in 
the last day and call him blessed." 

It is no small honor to New England that EezeUali Calvin 
Woorster began his powerful though brief ministry within its 
limits. His first appearance on the roll of the Itinerant host 
was in the present year, when he was appointed to Granville 
Circuit, Mass. He began his labors professing and enjoying 
the blessing of that " perfect love which caste th out fear,'* 
and his short, but useful career, was attended with demonstra- 
tions of the entire consecration of his character. After la- 
boring in 1794 and 5, on Elizabethtown (N. J.) and Columbia 
(N. Y.) Circuits, respectively, he volunteered with Samuel 
Coate, to join James Coleman and Darius Dunham, in the 
new and laborious field of Upper Canada. His trials there 
were great. During three weeks, on his way, he lodged every 
night under the trees of the forests. He passed through the 
wilderness of that remote region like a " flame of fire ; " the 
long neglected and impenitent settlers trembled under his 
word, while the few and scattered saints shouted aloud for joy. 
" Such," says the historian of Methodism, " was the holy 
fervor of his soul, his deep devotion to God, his burning love 
for the souls of his fellow men, that he was the happy in- 
strument of kindling up such a fire in the hearts of the peo- 
ple wherever he went, particularly in Upper Canada, that all 
the waters of strife and opposition have not been able to 
quench it * * *. The gi-ace of God wrought mightily in him." * 
" 0, what awful sensations," exclaims the same writer, " ran 
through the assembhes while Calvin Woorster, and others of 
like spirit, were denouncing the just judgments of God against 



* Bangs' History of Methodism, Anno 1799. 



SKETCHES OF THE MINISTRY. 213 

impenitent sinners, in such pointed language as made the 
' ear to tingle ' and the heart to palpitate." " Frequently," 
continues the same authority, " was his voice heard, by the 
families where he lodged, in the night season, when rising 
from his bed, while others slept, he would pour out the desire 
of his soul unto God in earnest prayer for the salvation of 
souls." And he further informs us that such was the unc- 
tion of his spirit, and the bold, resistless power of his appeals 
to the wicked, that few of them could stand before him ; 
they would either rush out of the house, or fall like dead 
men under his word. He was a man of great prevalence In 
prayer. An anecdote is related in illustration of the power 
of his faith. A revival occurred under his labors, which was 
attended with overpowering effects among the people. His 

Presiding Elder, Rev. Mr. D , entering the assembly at 

a time when sinners were falling to the earth under the power 
of the truth, and the people of God were rejoicing in their 
victory, condemned the excitement as wildfire, and knelt down 
to pray that God would allay it. The devout Woorster knelt 
by his side and in a whispering tone prayed, " Lord bless 

Bro. D ! Lord bless Bro. J) ." He had not prayed 

thus many minutes, before the Presiding Elder was smitten 
down upon the floor, and was so filled with the Holy Ghost 
that his complaints were turned into grateful praise, and he 
went forth spreading the divine flame through the length and 
breadth of his District, " to the joy and salvation of hun- 
dreds of immortal souls." * 

Mr. Woorster labored with great success in Canada, during 
1796-T-8. 1 In the latter year he was seized with pulmon- 
ary consumption, but such was the moral power of this truly 



* Bangs' History of Methodism, Anno 1799. 

t See letter of his father, in the Minutes of 1799. 



214 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

remarkable man — seeming almost to border on the miracu- 
lous — that it is authentically recorded, that -when so far re- 
duced as not to be able to speak above a whisper, his whis- 
pered utterance, conveyed by another to the assembly, would 
thrill them like a trumpet, and fall with such energy on the 
attention of the hearers, that stout hearted men were smitten 
down to the floor ; and his very aspect is said to have so shone 
with " the divine glory that it struck conviction into the hearts 
of many who beheld it." * 

His end corresponded with his life. In June, 1798, he re- 
turned from Canada to his parental home, to die. When 
scarcely able to speak, he was asked " If his confidence was 
still strong in the Lord ? " " Yes, strong ! strong ! " was 
his victorious answer. As his bodily strength was fast fail- 
ing, and death was in view, he exclaimed, " That the nearer 
he drew to eternity, the brighter heaven shined upon him." 
He died on the 6th of November, 1798, not 28 years of age, 
but " strong in the faith and love of Jesus." The following 
lines were found among his papers : " Hezekiah Calvui 
Woorster was born May 20, 1771 ; convicted of sin Oct. 9, 
1791 ; born again Dec. 1, 1791 ; sanctified February 6, 
1792." 

Zadock Priest was also a youthful martyr to the exces- 
sive labors of those times of struggle and victory. A few 
still linger about the regions of the old cu'cuits of New Lon- 
don and Warren, in whose hearts the preciousness of his 
memory remains unabated by the changes and sorrows of the 
half century which has passed over his youthful grave. He 
was a native of Connecticut, and commenced his ministry the 
present year on Pittsfield Circuit. The next year he travel- 
led the New London Circuit with Wilson Lee, David Abbott, 



* Bangs' History of Methodism, Anno 1799. 



SKETCHES OF THE MINISTRY. 



215 



and Enoch Mudge, a noble quaternion. In 1795 he labored on 
Warren Circuit, where he was attacked with hemorrhage of 
the lungs, which terminated in consumption. Like young 
Woorster, and at about the same age, he retired from his work 
to die. There resided at that time, and for many subsequent 
years, at Norton, Mass., a venerable Methodist, known as 
''Father Newcomb ; " his house, like that of Mr. Bemis, at 
Waltham, was ever open as an asylum for the Methodist Itine- 
rants. Thither Mr. Priest went — " to die with them," as he 
said when the door was opened to receive him. He was confin- 
ed there three weeks, and then passed down into the valley 
and shadow of death, expressing " a strong confidence in the 
favor of God, and no doubt of his salvation." He died on the 
22dof June, 1796, in the 27th year of his age,* and was buried 
on the estate of Mr. Newcomb, where he now sleeps in Je- 
sus. He was generally beloved, and a Christian brother now 
rests by his side, who esteemed him so highly in fife as to re- 
quest that he might sleep with him in death — beautiful exam- 
ple of the endearment of Christian affection ! 

Joshua Hall's labors as a Methodist preacher were ex- 
tensive and exceedingly varied. His Itinerant ministry was 
limited to about ten years, but during that time he preach- 
ed in most of the New England States, and formed some of 
our most important societies. 

He was born in Lewistown, Sussex Co., Del., Oct. 22, 1768, 
and " experienced reUgion in Kent County, near Millford, in 
February, 1787. "f In November, 1791, he was sent by As- 
bury to the North, and passed to Elizabethtown Circuit, on 
which he travelled the remainder of the year. In 1792, he 
was admitted on probation by the Conference at New York 
and appointed to Croton Circuit, N. Y.J The next year he 



* Minutes, 179G. f Letter to the Writer. 

* Letter to the Writer. His appointment this year is not mentioned in the Minutes; 



216 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



entered New England and became the colleague of Geo. 
Pickering, on Hartford Circuit. Here," he says, " we labor- 
ed part of the year and formed New London Circuit." In 
1794, he was appointed to "Vermont," but did not travel 
there. " Jesse Lee," he writes, " had made a tour through 
Eitchburg, Ashburnham, Rindge, Selby, Marlboro', Parkers- 
field, Dublin, Chesterfield,Orange, Hardwick and Athol. I had 
to go and supply a long series of appointments, to which he 
pledged that a preacher should be sent after the Conference. 
George Cannon, who was expected, did not come, and I felt it 
my duty to remain till the next Conference, which sat at New 
London." 

In 1795, by a long transition, he passed to Penobscot Cir- 
cuit, Me., which had recently been surveyed by Lee. He 
was the third Methodist preacher sent to that State, and 
the first who labored after Lee on the Penobscot. I met 
with much opposition there," he says, " but he who regards 
the shorn lamb sustained me." A gracious reformation 
cheered him in this distant and difficult field. He formed the 
first societies which were organized along that river. " God," 
he remarks, " wonderfully blessed my feeble labors, and when 
I left I had occasion to exclaim. What hath God wrought ! " 
Before the next Conference, he labored about three months 
at Readfield, visited Portland, and preached there a short 
time, in company with Stephen Hull, and thence passed on to 
the Conference at Thompson, Conn. Several years had 
now elapsed since he had visited his home, and he longed to 
return to its affections and more genial climate. But those 
were times for great sacrifices as well as great labors ; Asbury 
pointed him to the field white unto the harvest, and reminded 
him of the fewness of the laborers. Asbury himself was an 
unparalleled example of self-sacrifice, and his spirit inspired 



SKETCHES OF THE MINISTRY. 217 

all about him. Mr. Hall decided to tarry. " I have never," 
he sajs, ^' seen one of mj relations since 1792, and never 
shall till I meet them in the eternal world ; for I am now in 
my 79th year, my energies are paralysed, all my faculties, 
especially my memory, fail fast. I have, you percieve, a trem- 
bling hand — it is difficult for me to write." Instead of re- 
turning South he was appointed, with his former colleague, 
George Pickering, to Boston and Needham. Thence he 
went to Sandwich, on Cape Cod ; there God blessed his labors 
with great success — an extensive reformation took place and 
seventy persons were gathered in the society. " Blessed be 
the Lord, 0 my soul," exclaims the veteran on recalling those 
times ; this was the good Lord's work, and the beginning of 
Methodism in that place." In 1797, he was appointed to 
Martha's Vineyard, and was instrumental in planting Metho- 
dism on that Island. The next year Asbury requested him 
to throw himself into the city of Providence, provide as he 
could for his support, and, " by the blessing of God, raise up 
a society." He went thither, opened a school for his subsis- 
tence, preached and labored among the people, and formed a 
class, the beginning of Methodism in that city. 

In 1799, he was appointed to Warren and Greenwich Cir- 
cuit, as colleague with Ezekiel Canfield and Trueman Bishop. 
In 1800, his appointment was Rhode Island. He visited 
Newport, " preached four times by day-light, and had a meet- 
ing again in the evening. " This," he says, " was the hard- 
est day's work I ever performed before or since, but it was 
delightful." He had the honor of forming the first Method- 
ist Society of Newport. Moving to and fro with the usual 
rapidity of the energetic Itinerants of that day, he soon 
reached New Bedford and introduced Methodism there. 

Bro. John Gibson," he writes " came to help me while we 
raised and unfurled the evangelical standard ; though smitten 
19 



218 



MEMORIALS OP METHODISM. 



down for a time it still waves there, bless the name of the 
Lord ! May it always there wave till time shall be no 
more ! " 

In the Minutes of the next year he is returned on the lo- 
cated list. He visited Maine, however, and labored with 
Joseph Baker at Camden one year, during which he preach- 
ed also at Thomastown, Union, Lincoln, Hope and Northport. 
" We had," he writes, " Daniel Rickow to assist us, and a 
good revival of religion spread throughout the Circuit. In 
1802, he returned to Penobscot River and chose a resting 
place at Frankfort Mills, where he yet resides, suffering un- 
der the infirmities of nearly eighty years, and waiting for 
the change w^hich shall restore him to the society of his old 
associates in the ministry. During his Itinerant life he did 
good battle for the faith ; he commenced the important socie- 
ties at Providence, Newport, and Sandwich, and several on 
Penobscot River. Since his location he has continued to la- 
bor as his health would admit, and has sustained important 
public responsibilities in the State. In 1830, he was placed 
upon the supernumerary list of the Maine Conference, he has 
since been transferred to the list of the superannuated where 
he yet remains. He concludes a brief narrative of his life 
with the joyful exclamation, " I have almost finished my 
journey and heaven is my future home — glory be to God, 
my Savior, forever and ever, amen ! " 

Amos G. Thompson was one of the many who came from 
the region of the Baltimore Conference, to share the early 
struggles of Lee, on New England. He began his ministeri- 
al travels in Somerset Circuit, Md., in 1785. During the 
next five years he travelled successively Alleghany, Caroline, 
Md., Fairfax, Ya., Lancaster, Va., Redstone, Va., Circuits. 
The next two years he travelled an extensive District, which- 
jncluded the North Western portion of Virginia and extended 



SKETCHES OF THE MINISTRY. 



219 



to Pittsburg, in Pennsylvania. It is a fact illustrative of 
the influence which Lee exerted through the Middle Confer- 
ences in behalf of the East, that more than one fourth of the 
preachers on this large District afterwards became loborers 
in New England. 

Mr. Thompson entered New England in 1793, and was 
appointed to Boston. The two following years he travelled 
respectively the Needham and New London Circuits, and in 
1796 retired into the local ranks. His ardor cooled under 
the severe privations of the times. On leaving the strug- 
gling phalanx of his Itinerant brethren, he settled as a Con- 
gregational pastor. 

Benjamin Fislee appears in the Itinerant ranks for the 
first time in 1791, on Cumberland Circuit, in Nova Scotia, 
where Wm. Black was at that time laying laboriously the 
foundations of Methodism. The next year, he passed to 
New Rochelle Circuit, New York. His appointment the 
present year at Middletown, comprises all his labors in New 
England. The next two years he spent on Bethel (N. J.) 
Circuit ; in 1796 and 97, he was respestively on Burlington 
and Salem Circuits, in the same State, and in 1798 located. 

John Hill came to New England the present year, from 
the region of the Baltimore Conference, where he had trav- 
elled, since 1788, the following Circuits, viz : Little York, 
Frederick, Calvert, Severn (all in Maryland,) and Tioga, Pa. 
On arriving in New England he took charge of the Need- 
ham Circuit. In 1794, he was appointed to " New Hamp- 
shire," and in 1796 to the Greenwich Circuit, R. I. The 
next year he also disappears in the local ranks. He after- 
wards became a Congregationalist, and, in an unfortunate mo- 
ment of dejection, put an end to his life. 

Joseph Lovell commenced his Itinerant labors in 1790, 
on Newburg (N. Y.) Circuit, as colleague of the noted Benja- 



220 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



min Abbot. The following two years he travelled success- 
ively Bristol and Chester Circuits, in Pennsylvania. The next 
year he came to New England and labored on Tolland Cir- 
cuit. In 1794, he was on Greenwich Circuit, R. I. He left 
New England the ensuing year, and was appointed to Bur- 
lington, N. J. ; the year following he was at Albany ; in 1797, 
on Freehold Circuit, N. J., and in 1798, at Trenton in the 
same State. We cannot ascertain his appointment for 1799, 
but the next year hear he is returned among the located. 

The record of Jason Perkins' appouitments in the 
Minutes is a specimen of the perplexing uncertainty of those 
documents. He appears the present year with the devoted 
Woorster on Granville Circuit, and also in the list of those 
received on trial the same year, among whom were Woorster 
himself, Zadok Priest, Elijah Woolsey, Enoch Mudge, Dan- 
iel Ostrander, and other noble names in the history of Method- 
ism in New England, but after this year his name occurs 
no more among those " who remain on trial," those, " who are 
admitted into full connection," the " Deacons " or the " Eld- 
ers," yet with singular incongruity it is attached to appoint- 
ments during three years, after which it totally disappears 
without an intimation of how or wherefore. Dr. Bangs' does 
not mention him in his Alphabetical Catalogue, nor does Lee 
in his Classification of the Methodist Ministry, from the year 
1785 to 1792. The three Circuits which he travelled dur- 
ing 1793-4-5, were respectively Granville, Columbia, and 
New Rochelle. A melanchoUy obscuration covers him from 
our sight, but we trust not forever. 

Such is the slight information we have been able to col- 
lect respecting those preachers, on the list for New England 
in 1793, who have not been previously noticed. 



CHAPTER XII. 



INCIDENTS OP 1793-4. 

New Circuits — Province of Maine — Lee's Excursions to it — Formation of the First Cir- 
cuit — The First Society — Success elsewhere — Vexatious Trials — Lee's mode of 
meeting them — Anecdotes — Thomas Ware — Fiist Printed Attack on Methodism in 
New England — Roberts' Reply — Rov. Mr. Williams, of Tolland — Devotion and useful- 
ness of the Itinerant Ministry — Asbury again in the East — At Middletown — Hart- 
ford — Waltham — Boston — Results of the Year. 

The appointments of the present year show a gain of five 
Circuits. Six New England names appear for the first time in 
the fist ; one of these, however, was a substitute for the former 
title of the same Circuit. Some of the additional Circuits 
were formed by new arrangements of prior ones, rendered 
necessary by the progress of the church. Tolland, which 
had previously pertained to the Hartford Circuit, was now 
made the head quarters of a new one, to which it gave its 
name, and which extended mostly over new ground. G-ran- 
ville Circuit, in western Massachusetts, had been formed, we 
suppose, by detachments from other Circuits on the Albany 
District. That of New London appears, for the first time, 
the present year. Lee informs us, in his History of Method- 
ism,* that it was formed in the beginning of 1793, and " a 



*Chap. VII. 

19^ 



221 



222 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

preacher continued to travel it from that time till the Con- 
ference, when it was taken on the Minutes. It then had 
fifty members.' ' The Itinerant preachers had labored, 
more or less, however, in most of the towns comprised in it, 
before it was formed into a Circuit. He adds the following 
particulars, " for the satisfaction " of the Methodists in those 
parts : " The first sermon preached by the Methodists in 
the city of New London, was on the second day of Septem- 
ber, 1789, upwards of three years before the Circuit was 
formed. The first preached in Windham, was on the 24th 
of June, and the first in the city of Norwich, was on the 25th 
of June, 1790. 

Grreenwich Circuit was a detachment from the Provi- 
dence Circuit of the preceding year, and lay on the west 
of the Providence River and Narragansett Bay. Warren 
was another, and the chief portion, of the Providence Cir- 
cuit. Lee states that it included Newport, Bristol, War- 
ren, Cranston, Providence, and " several places in Massa- 
chusetts." * ''It will," he adds, " no doubt be satisfactory 
to many of the inhabitants of Rhode Island to know when 
the Methodists came to that State. The first Methodist ser- 
mon was preached in Charlestown, R. I., on the 3d of Sep- 
tember, 1789 ; the first in Newport, on the 30th June, 1790 ; 
the first in Bristol, on the 2d J uly, and the first in Crans- 
ton, on the 11th of November, 1791." 

The remaining new appointment of this year was the 
Province of Maine, worthily assigned to Lee himself. It 
then, and for more than a quarter of a century afterwards, 
pertained to Massachusetts ; its settlements were sparse, and 
mostly on the seaboard or principal rivers. " Few ministers, 
of any order," remarks his biographer, " had thought fit 
to brave the difficulties which the chmate and state of society 



* Chap, vu 



INCIDENTS OF 1793-4. 



223 



presented at that period." * Most of the interior regions 
were but occasionally favored with the word and ordinances 
of God. Lee himself refers to Maine, as " an unimproved 
part of the country," and speaks of the " thinly settled " 
places, "where the people could seldom hear a sermon of any 
kind." " At that time," he adds, " there were very few 
settled ministers in the Province of Maine, except in the old 
settled parts of the country near the sea shore." f Such 
was precisely the field for a man of his spirit. He longed to 
sound the trump of the gospel through the primeval forests 
and along the mighty rivers of that now noble State ; and 
though he knew no one there to welcome him on his arrival, 
nor any one elsewhere to give him " a particular account of 
the place and people," yet, as " it was commonly understood 
that they were in want of preaching," he took his horse and 
saddle-bags, and directed his course towards it, not knowing 
what would befall him there. 

He left Lynn on Thursday, Sept. 5th ; and on Saturday 
was at Portsmouth. His former visits had procured him 
some steadfast friends, who greeted his return ; they endeav- 
ored to obtain the court-house for him to preach in, but it was 
refused. The next day (Sabbath) he walked to it, with 
a few friends, but the authorities still denied him the 
privilege of preaching in it. They knew not the spirit 
of the man, however, and only secured him a better hearing 
by their discourtesy. He coolly ascended to " the step of 
the door of the court-house, and began." When he com- 
menced, there were but about twelve hearers present, but 
they soon began to flock together, and swelled to some 
hundreds before he concluded. They crowded into several 
adjacent streets, and listened with solemnity and manifest 

*Chap. Tcm. t History of Meth., chap. vni. 



224 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



emotion, while he declared to them, with " much freedom," 
the acceptable year of the Lord. 

The next day he was " off early," crossed the river, and 
entered the " Province of Maine." On Tuesday, 10th, he 
was at Saco. 

" I put up," he says, " at Doctor Fairfield's, and at night in another 
house, I preached on Acts 13:41. I had the house much crowded 
with attentive hearers, and I felt the assistance of the Holy Ghost in 
preaching to them. Lord make it profitable to many." 

His biographer has preserved but brief notices of his first 
excursion to Maine ; it was, however, but a visit of ob- 
servation ; his subsequent and more interesting labors in that 
new region are more fully detailed, and will afford us some in- 
terest in their due place. The following is the outline given 
in his Memoir, of the remainder of his present journey. 

" From Saco he went to Portland, where, by the kind interference of 
several persons, Mr. Kellogg's meeting-house was opened for him. 
From Portland he travelled to Freeport, and preached. Thence he 
■went to Bath, where he preached three times. He then crossed Ken- 
nebec River and rode to Newcastle, to Thomaston, to Union, and 
crossing the Penobscot River, lodged at the house of Abraham 
Stover, in the town of Penobscot. He then went to a little village 
called Baggadoore Neck ; but finding it would be difficult to travel 
much further on horseback, and the settlements on the road being 
very thin, he resolved to return to the town of Penobscot, where he 
sent out an appointment, and preached on the Sabbath day. He then 
rode to Major Buck's, in Bucktown. After this he took a route up the 
river within a few miles of the Indian settlement, and returned down 
the river to Frankfort. Here the people received him gladly, and strove 
hard to retain him amongst them ; but, although they offered to hire 
him to come and settle there the ensuing spring, ' it had ' (says he) 
* no weight with me, for I am no hireling.' 

" The inhabitants upon the Penobscot, at that time, were principally 
new settlers ; consequently destitute of any regular preaching, and there- 
fore the more thankful for the visit they received from Mr. Lee. 

" He continued in these settlements, travelling to and fro and preach- 
ing, with good hopes that his labor would be blessed of the Lord, un- 
til the latter part of October, at which time he returned to Lynn. 

" In January, 1794, he repeated his visit to the settlements on the Ken- 
nebec and Penobscot rivers, and enlarged his borders by preaching in 



INCIDENTS OF 1793-4. 



225 



many new places. His difficulties were many, but God gave him 
strength to bear all, with becoming patience and resolution. He 
succeeded in forming a Circuit in the Province of Maine, which, by the 
way, is all that can be said of it, for we are not assured that there was 
a single society of Methodists within its whole bounds." 

There was, in fact, no Society formed within its limits, 
or within the whole Province, until after the ensuing Confer- 
ence. The first class in Maine was organised at Monmouth 
about the first of November, 1794.* Mr. Lee has given us, 
in his History of the Methodists,! a brief sketch of this 
eastern excursion. 

" I travelled," he says, " through a greater part of that country from 
September to the end of the year. I went as far as Castine, at the 
mouth of the Penobscot River ; up the river to the upper settlements, 
which were then just below the Indian settlement called Old-Town ; 
thence T returned by the way of the Twenty-five mile Pond, to Ken- 
nebec River ; thence up the Sandy River, and back to Hallowell, and 
thence through to Portland." 

By tracing his route on the map, it will be perceived that 
he surveyed quite thoroughly most of what was then the set- 
tled portion of that State, viz : the region of the coast from 
Portsmouth to Castine, and the interior, between the Kenne- 
bec and Penobscot, as far up, and even farther, than what 
has since become the site of Bangor on the latter, and Water- 
ville on the former. 

" Although," he continues, " I was a perfect stranger to the people, 
and had to make my own appointments, I preached almost every day, 
and to crowded assemblies. After viewing the country, I thought the 
most proper place to form a Circuit was on the Kennebec River. The 
Circuit was accordingly formed, and called Readfteld. This was the 
name of the first Circuit formed by the Methodists in that part of the 
country ; it was about 200 miles from any other which we had in New 
England. It extended from Hallowell to Sandy River." " It will, no 
doubt," he adds, " afford some satisfaction to the people to know the 
exact time when the Methodists first preached among them on that 
Circuit and in the neighboring towns. On the 13th day of October, 



* Lee's fllst., chap. viii. 



t Ibid. 



22G 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



1793, the first Methodist sermon was preached in Hallowell ; on the 
15th, in Farmington ; on the 17th, in New Sharon ; on the 18th, in 
Mount Vernon ; the 19th, Readfield ; the 21st, Winthrop ; the 22d, 
Monmouth." 

These were all the towns comprised in 'the Readfield Cir- 
cuit in 1793. Others were added, however, in the beginning 
of 1794, before the termination of the present ecclesiastical 
year. 

While Lee was tbus preparing the way in the wilderness, 
his colleagues, in other parts of New England, were assidu- 
ously cultivating and extending their respective fields of lar 
bor. Their success had already begun to appear ominous to 
the inactive settled clergy of the time. Hitherto they had 
been considered either fanatical intruders, whose ardor would 
soon abate, or a set of broken merchants," who had come 
up from the South, and being poor, and too indolent to work, 
had betaken themselves to preaching, as the best mode of 
S|)unging from the devout people of New England the means 
of subsistence,* but who would soon find it convenient to 
go elsewhere. It was now becoming quite manifest, however, 
that they were in earnest, and were intrenching themselves 
in all the land. Demonstrations of hostility were therefore 
made in many directions. The pulpits denounced them as 
" wolves in sheep's clothing," the " false prophets who should 
come in the latter day," " Itinerant pedlars of false doctrine,"! 
&c. Though formally authorized and ordained by a church 
which had spread through most of the States, they were not 
recognized by the magistrates of New England, especially in 
Connecticut, as regular clergymen, and Mr. Roberts was 
prosecuted and fined for consecrating the marriage of a 
couple of his people. Several laymen, whose consciences 
were too scrupulous or obstinate for the laws which required 

* Bangs' Hist., vol. I : b. 3 : chap. 2. f Ibid. 



INCIDENTS OF 1793-4. 



227 



them to support what thej deemed a dead and heretical 
ministry were thrust into prison or despoiled of their property. 
Popular violence sometimes disturbed their solemn assem- 
blies. 

The people of New England were then, even more than 
at present, addicted to speculative disputation on theological 
subjects. The doctrines of the new sect were thoroughly 
canvassed, and as thoroughly carricatured in the pulpit, in 
the vestry, at the village inn, and at the fire-side. Both its 
preachers and its people were incessantly harrassed with 
assaults about principles. The former had to contend 
with additional vexations respecting their " education " and 
rejection of " notes " in the pulpit. Their unquestionable 
and effective eloquence was a sufficient vindication of them 
in the latter respect — their tact, and sometimes their wit, in 
the former. The preacher, deacon, and lawyer, generally 
formed, in those days, a trio of leadership in the village society 
of New England. The former usually assailed the new 
comers with distant dignity from the pulpit, the deacon pursued 
them with rigorous questions of orthodoxy to their meetings 
and social circles, and the lawyer — strictly conformed then, as 
now, to the strongest local influence, followed, — to ply with 
his logic, the deacon's metaphysics. The former two Mr. Lee 
generally rebutted by apt quotations of the Scriptures ; with 
the latter he felt himself at liberty, from the impression he had 
of their less commendable motives, to use the weapon of his 
native and cutting satire. Oftentimes did he turn upon 
them the ridicule of large companies of bystanders, and 
compel them to shrink back abashed at the unexpected reac- 
tion of their own impertinence. 

On a certain occasion, one of them boldly attempted to 
prove Mr. Lee's ignorance in presence of a group of specta- 
tors, by addressing him in Latin. Lee, who was always 



228 



MEMORIALS 



OF METHODISM. 



prompt at repartee, responded to him in German, of which 
the young lawyer and the bystanders, who were anxiously 
listening to the conversation, knew as little as they did of 
the tongue of Timbuctoo. " There," said one of the group, 
" he has answered you in Hebrew, and therefore he must be 
a learned man." The lawyer retired in silence, with a sul- 
len countenance, and the literary qualifications of the preach- 
er were admitted and admired. 

Dr. Thomas Sargent, (himself one of the New England 
pioneers,) has assured us that the current anecdote of the 
Methodist preacher's reply to two lawyers, on extemporary 
preaching, actually occurred with Jesse Lee. The shrewd 
Itinerant had been preaching in a town during the session of 
the court, and had dealt rather faithfully with the lawyers, two 
of whom were disposed to make themselves merry at his ex- 
pense. The day on Avhich the court adjourned he left the 
place for another appointment. While riding on his way, he 
perceived the two gentlemen hastening after him on horse- 
back, with evident expectations of amusement. They enter- 
ed into conversation with him on extemporaneous speaking. 

Don't you often make mistakes ? " said one of them. 
" Yes, sir," was the laconic reply. " Well, what do you do 
with them? — Let them go ? " " Sometimes I do," rephed 
the preacher, drily ; " if they are very important, I correct 
them ; if not, or if they express the truth, though differently 
from what I designed, why, I often let them go. For instance, 
if in preaching, I should wish to quote the text which says, 
^ the devil is a liar, and the father of it,' and should happen to 
misquote it, and say he was a ' lawyer,^ &c., why, it is so 
near the truth, I should probably let it pass." The gen- 
tlemen of the bar looked at each other, and were soon in ad- 
vance, hastening on their way.* 

* See Sketclios and Incidents, vol. I. 



INCIDENTS OF 1793-4. 229 

The good Thomas Ware — a man whose memory is re- 
vered by all who knew him — was this year, as we have 
seen, on a District which comprehended several New Eng- 
land appointments. He refers to the species of trials we 
have described, as frequent in the eastern States, at that 
time. " It was common," he remarks, " for the Methodist 
preachers, when they preached in new places, and often in 
their regular appointments, to be attacked by some disputant 
on the subject of doctrines, sometimes by ministers, but more 
frequently by students in divinity or loquacious and contro- 
versial laymen. And so far as my experience on this District 
extended, I discovered much rancor and bitterness mingled 
with these disputes. I am obliged to say that, during the 
three years of my labors in this section, I found not so much 
as one friendly clergyman professing the doctrines opposed to 
Methodism. There may have been such ; but all with whom 
I conversed, or whose sentiments I knew, were violent in 
their opposition to us ; and the rough manner in which I was 
usually treated by them, rendered me unwilling to come in 
contact with them. But when it so happened that we must 
try our strength, I found no difficulty in defending the cause 
I had espoused ; for a foe despised has a great advantage. 
And when a man has a system which is clearly Scriptural, he 
needs only a little plain common sense and self-possession to 
maintain his ground, though a host of learned theologians 
should unite against him. In Granville and Pittsfield, the 
current of opposition was very strong against us. In these 
parts religious societies were systematically organized, and 
sustained by law. With churches in the centre of their 
towns and parishes, they prided themselves on having a 
learned, competent ministry, whom they supported by a tax 
upon the people. But with all their boast of learning and 
competency, I found many of the clergy in these parts so 
2Q 



230 



MEMOEIALS OF METHODISM. 



far from being really great men, that I soon lost all fear of 
them." * 

It was during the period under review that the Rev. Mr. 
Williams, of Tolland, who had become alarmed at the rapid 
spread of the Methodists around him, published a sermon 
against them, fully exemplifying the hostile spirit with which 
they were then treated. It was the first attack made upon 
them from the press, and was considered by the infant church 
a serious event in their yet uncertain history. To us it is 
interesting, at least as an indication of the times, and the 
first in a series of assaults from pamphleteers, which have been 
most useful provocatives of our success. It was addressed to 
his people, on the Fast Day, with a degree of emphasis quite 
unusual in his preachmg, and produced a profound sensation 
among them.f The discourse was accompanied in print by a 
letter from Dr. Huntington, of Coventry; both documents 
were most unscrupulous in their charges, and uncharit- 
able in their spirit. The laborious zeal and self-sacrificing 
devotion of the new preachers were construed into hy- 
pocrisy. 

" There may be little sincerity," said Mr. Williams, " where there is 
a great share of zeal. When a new sect has arisen in the Christian 
church, the leaders, especially, have made high pretensions to eminent 
society and love for precious souls. The Christians in the church of 
Corinth and Achaia were practised upon by the same sort of teachers. 
St. Paul says they are false apostles, deceitful, worthless, transforming 
themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel, for Satan him- 
self is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore, it is no great 
thing if his ministers, also, be transformed into the ministers of righte- 
ousness — corrupt teachers, beguiling unstable souls, creeping into 
houses and leading captive silly women, laden with sins, and led away 
with divers lusts," &:c. J 

Such were some of the generous allusions of Mr. Williams to 



* Memoir, chap. 8. 

■f Letter of Mr. Joseph Howard, of Tolland, who was present at the time. 
J. Apud Dr. Roberts' " Strictures " on this Sermon. 



INCIDENTS OP 1793-4. 



231 



the indefatigable and disinterested men of the first New 
England ministry. He stoutlj denounces the pretension of 
a divine call to the ministry — considers it a " tempting of 
heaven to give" the pretender " up to delusion," and further 
remarks, "These are no new things, — multitudes have 
come forth as preachers on this ground, within a number of 
years past, in these New England churches, whom you believe 
were deceived themselves, or aimed to deceive others." 

Dr. Huntington's appended letter was equally severe. 
" The modern Methodist teachers," he asserts, "are men of 
Machiavellian principles, and do, without any scruples, make 
use of truth and deceit promiscuously, as they judge will 
most promote the interest of their party." He speaks of 
their " heretical doctrines," and of Wesley as " a flaming en- 
thusiast," given to " wild singularities," among which he 
enumerates the " institution of classes and class-meetings." 

Such are but specimens of the first printed attack on the 
New England Methodists. It was considered appropriate to 
the humble and deprecating devotions of the Fast Hay, and 
was published " with the unanimous approbation of the As- 
sociation, and at their cordial request." * 

Some apprehensions spread, among the "little flock," 
at the appearance of this deliberate and formal opposition. 
It was soon allayed, however. Dr. Roberts, Presiding El- 
der that year of the District which included Tolland, entered 
the lists against the two pugnacious divines, with such ability 
and satirical power, as turned the current of public opinion, 
to a considerable extent, against them, and effectually dis- 
posed them to abandon the controversy. f Dr. Roberts had 



* Dr. Huntington's Letter. 

I Dr. Roberts' reply was entitled, " Strictures on a Sermon delivered by Mr, Nathan Wil- 
liams, A. M., in Tolland, on the Public Fast, April 17th, 1793, with some observations on 
Dr. Huntington's Letter, annexed to said Sermon, in a Letter by Geo. Roberta. 



232 



MEMORIALS OP METHODISM. 



an important advantage over the assailants in the tendencies 
of the popular mind at that time against the compulsory 
support of the church, by taxation. Being thoroughly re- 
publican himself, and a hearty lover of the institutions of 
his country, he often speaks out indignantly on the subject.* 

"How," he exclaims, "can you expect to be prospered by heaven in 
that which has been, and still is productive of so much fraud, as the 
spoiling of goods for its support ? What better is it, in its own na- 
ture, than robbery, to seize the property of people to support a ministry 
they do not esteem, nor desire to hear ? " f 

He gives the following estimate of the New England Con- 
gregational church of that day : — 

" I believe the churches were made up of members unawakened and 
unconverted, with a few exceptions : secondly, it followed as a natural 
consequence, that the wicked bore rule : thirdly, they were State es- 
tablishments ; and a church established by law, is not a church of 
Christ, but of anti-christ : fourthly, the ministers made a trade of the 
gospel, a few excepted ; and these few exceptions were not far behind 
the others, because they upheld or countenanced them in it: fifthly, 
they sent out unconverted men, or it was their opinion, unconverted 
men had a right to preach. 

" There is a difference between yours and the primitive church : the 
primitive church was a spiritual church, established by the authority 
of Christ ; but is your church any thing more than a carnal church, es- 
tablished by the civil law ? The apostles received nothing for their 
support from those who were not of their church ; but you take from 
all who are within your unscriptural parish lines that the law will allow 
you to take from. The apostles took what they received, not by con- 
straint, but as a free gift ; i. e. they did not untie the purse strings of 
the brethren and widows, under the sanction of the civil law as you do."J 

An estimate too manifestly correct, not to form a sufficient 
justification for the " intrusion" of these zealous evangelists. 
He was never known to be so much affected in any discourse 



* A Baptist had actually been laying in the prison at Tolland, about this time, for re- 
fusing to pay the " miaister's rate," in a church he could not approve. Roberts availa 
himself of the fact. 

t Strictures, p. 7. X Ibid, pp. 5 and 11. 



INCIDENTS OF 1793-4. 



233 



"It is happy for us," exclaims Roberts, " we live after the Globi- 
ous Revolution. Now national establishments, tyrants, kings, and 
priests, bow under the well-formed Federal Constitution. Had we ap- 
peared here in former days, Ave might have been treated as kindly as 
the Quakers and witches were." * 

As a specimen of the severity of both parties, and the 
shrewd humor with which Roberts repulsed the assailants, 
we give a single paragraph more : — 

" The doctor observes, our style is not material, we have assumed 
different names in the eras of time, with some little alterations, but have 
been the same for substance in every age. I hope, sir, when you are 
disposed to give the world this ready information, you will first read our 
books, and gain a little more information yourself; by this means you 
will save yourself some credit, gain a little more knowledge, and not 
be under the necessity of asserting things against us, as charges, that 
only exist in your own imagination. The doctor then observes, ' the 
apostles were troubled with the same sort of people, and St. Paul was 
more severe than you (Mr. Williams) are. He calls them dogs, evil 
workers, and the concision, i. e. cutters to pieces — the sacred writers 
speak of them as raging waves of the sea — wandering stars, on ac- 
count of pretending to much light, and wandering about, or roving 
about from place to place,' and many similar descriptions. But as I 
have principally answered these charges, I have only to observe, St. 
Paul was a great Methodist, if every minister that travels, or itinerates 
to preach the gospel is such. I am sure the apostles made as much dis- 
turbance in the standing churches as the Methodists do. The doctors 
and high priests, were as much disturbed as they are now with us ; 
and Peter was so boisterous a Methodist preacher, that his enemies 
thought he was filled with new wine, and you may be sure they made 
the old standing churches, established by the civil law, tremble to their 
very foundations, St. Peter pretended to so much light, that when 
they charged him with being drunk, he told them it was the Holy 
Ghost they were filled with. Perhaps the curious reader may Avonder 
why the people of the Jews were so disturbed, and why Mr. Williams, 
and the Doctor are so uneasy ? Why, dear reader, it is all from one 
source, they cried out against the apostles ' if we let these men alone, 
they will fill the whole world with their doctrine. The Romans Avill 
come and take away our place and nation.' All denominations were 
afraid of such Methodistical heretics. Their craft was in dan- 
ger by which they gained their wealth. And you must know further, 
that the priests had become so lazy, and these Methodistical stran- 
gers, and transient itinerating preachers, were so industrious, that 



Strictures — p. 28. 

20* 



234 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



they found it would never do ; for the new sect would run from 
parish to parish, and from town to town, and did not care much for 
synagogues, or meeting-houses ; they would collect the people in the 
market places, the school-houses and upper rooms, and preach perhaps 
every day, ofttimes in the evenings, and sometimes would preach and 
pray until twelve o'clock at night. This is the very case with the 
Methodistical heretics ; and Mr. Williams and the Doctor have lost a 
considerable number of their sheep, which makes wool for shearing 
scarce with them, or they are obliged to shear the sheep that are left 
behind, so closely that many of them are cut to the skin, have not 
enough left to keep them warm, and so are not able to give their 
lambs suck. This the doctor has had to vex him as well as Mr. Wil- 
liams. And since they published the sermon and letter, the Doctor 
sent out his servant to shear his sheep again, but many of them broke 
out of the fold and took shelter with us, and I expect necessity will 
drive them all away in time." 

We have referred to this polemical rencontre as an illus- 
tration of the times. It was unfortunately conducted on 
both sides. Roberts was scathingly severe in some of his 
passages — a keenness being given to their edge by the 
shrewdness of his satire. The Congregational combatants, 
while they could not approach him in satirical force, were 
even more severe with their stultified abuse. Much must 
be pardoned to both parties, in consideration of the times. 
If in these days of improved sentiments and laws, our con- 
troversies were proportionately mehorated, we might with more 
propriety rebuke the errors of our fathers. 

Mr. Williams yielded, we charitably suppose, to a tempo- 
rary feeling, not in harmony with his habitual disposition. 
At their first arrival, the Methodist preachers were hospitably 
received at his house and admitted to his pulpit. " He re- 
ceived them very cordially," writes a correspondent, and 
treated them kindly, until there began to be a reformation, 
and classes were formed ; then an alarm was raised — the 
preachers were afterwards treated by the Doctor with in- 
difference and inattention, and finally with such neglect that 
they ceased to visit him — and then appeared his sermon. 



INCIDENTS OF 1793-4. 



235 



he had delivered, or to produce so much apparent feeling 
among his church." * Age and better information relieved, 
however, the good old Pastor's fears, and it is affecting to 
learn that " before he died he welcomed his Methodist breth- 
ren to hold prayer-meetings with him in his own house." f 
He passed into the grave, grateful for the prayers and Chris- ' 
tian regards of those whom he once, honestly, no doubt, op- 
posed as dangerous heretics. 

The assailed Itinerants had a better and more effectual 
mode of repelling attacks ; their devoted lives and untiring 
labors for the salvation of the people stopped the mouths and 
confounded the hostility of their opponents. They moved 
through all the region of the " Association " which " cordially 
requested" the publication and aided the circulation of this 
pamphlet, like flames of fire," spreading hohness in their 
course, and raising up in the persons of many who were be- 
fore considered " reprobates," " living Epistles " of their 
ministry, which were read of all men. 

" It is very pleasing-," says a veteran Methodist, who lived in Tolland 
in that day of trial, " It is very pleasing to me now to reflect on those 
times, the beginning of illumination to my darkened mind. I had be- 
fore that supposed that there was such a thing as religion, and that it 
was indispensable for the aged and dying, but I had no idea of its real 
excellence, until I saw it exemplified in the spirit and lives of the 
Methodist preachers. My father's house was a home for them ; there 
they met and consulted together when they had a day of leisure, 
while on the Circuit, though such a day did not occur more than once 
in two weeks, and often not more than once a month. Those were 
times when they preached, at least, once a day, besides riding many 
miles. Tolland was about the centre of the Circuit. The chapel was 
built on my father's land, perhaps twenty rods from our dwelling. Two 
of my brothers, a sister, and, I think, my mother, all became members 
of the church in those troubled times. Among the preachers whom 
I recollect, were Lee, Rainor, Smith, Roberts, Pickering, Mudge, 
Joshua Hall, Mills, Brush, Hope Hull, Swain, &c. Amidst all the 



* Letter to the Mr. Writer, from Joseph Howard, of Tolland. 



t Ibid, 



236 



MEMOEIALS OF METHODISJI. 



opposition of those days, Methodism flourished, and for ten years after, 
with a short interruption, I think, much more tiian in this day, notwith- 
standing all later improvements. I like to look back on those times, 
and I expect to rejoice for ever that it was my lot to become acquainted 
with Methodism in early life. I consider it the chief instrument in the 
hands of God of my salvation, and the most happy seasons of my life ; 
and I hope one day to join those who have gone before me in celebra- 
ting the praises of my Redeemer, forever." * 

Thus the ecclesiastical years of 1793-4 had nearly passed, 
in labors, trials and triumphs ; meanwhile, as the period for 
the next Conference approached, the great apostle of Ameri- 
can Methodism, after having traversed the continent, re-en- 
tered New England. He was still feeble with disease, and 
wearied with unremitted labors, but he pressed on, as before, 
journeying and preaching daily. 

He passed into Connecticut on Thursday, 10th July, 1794. 
On the 12th he reached Middletown, and preached with 
some life," in the afternoon, at the Separatist chapel. The 
following day was the Sabbath — "a gTeat day," he says, — 
and notwithstanding his fatigues and feebleness, he preached 
twice, and held a Love Feast with the young church of the 
town. 

He was away again the next morning, and preached at 
Hartford, in Strong's Congregational church. I roared out 
wonderfully," he writes, "on Matt. 11: 28-30: 'Come 
unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden,' &c. Next 
day we came five miles to Spencer's, in Hartford, where we 
have a neat house, forty by thirty-four feet. Thence I rode 
fifteen miles to Coventry, where I had a large congregation, 
and a comfortable meeting." 

Thirty-three miles' ride to Pomfret, through " heat, dust 
and rocks," was the task of the ensuing day. Still he paus- 
ed not for repose. On Friday, 18th, he reached Needham, 



* Letter of Mr. Joseph Howard, of Tolland. 



INCIDENTS OF 1793-4. 



23T 



but " was nearly spent by the journey. The next day he 
passed to Waltham, where he tarried over the Sabbath, 
amidst warm-hearts and hospitable attentions, in the mansion 
of Mr. Bemis, so familiarly known since to our preachers as 
the family residence of Rev. Geo. Pickering. On Saturday 
he held a quarterly meeting. " At three o'clock," he writes, 
" I gave them a discourse on the little flock, to comfort the 
affrighted sheep. Sabbath day, we had love-feast at eight 
o'clock, sermon at half-past ten o'clock, and again in the after- 
noon : there was some hfe in the love-feast, and sacrament also. 

On Monday he entered Boston, " unwell in body, and with 
a heavy heart." The times had changed somewhat in the 
city since his previous visit. A home could now be found 
by the tired evangelist, and the little company of believers 
had found a place, however humble, for the ark of the Lord. 
"We have," he writes, " a very agreeable lodging in this 
town: but have to preach, as did our Lord, in an upper 
room. We had a prayer-meeting, and the Lord was present 
to bless us." 

With such continual travelhng and daily preaching, not 
only in New England, but through the whole land, and the 
whole year, we do not wonder that he exclaims, " Labor and 
affliction of body and mind, make my poor heart sad, and 
my spirits sink ; " yet he adds, with steadfast faith, " Why art 
thou cast down, 0 my soul — and why art thou disquieted 
within me ? hope thou in God ; thou shalt yet praise him." 

He tarried in Boston two days. " Tuesday, 22d," he 
says, " I took up my cross and preached in a large room, 
which was full enough, and warm enough. I stood over the 
street ; the boys and Jack-tars made a noise, but mine was 
loudest ; there was fire in the smoke ; some I think, felt the 
word, and we shall yet have a work in Boston. My talk was 
strange and true to some." 



238 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



This " large room " was a " hired chamber in the house 
of Mr. John Ruddock, opposite Clark's ship-yard, Ship street, 
a building which, from its situation and inhabitants, received 
the name of ' The College.' The Society meetings were 
frequently surrounded with noises of every kind." * On 
Wednesday the Bishop went to Lynn, where he continued 
till Monday, conducting the business of the Conference. 

Thus closed, in the latter part of July, the ecclesiastical 
year, 1793-4. It had been a time of adversity and declen- 
sion to the general church ; severe trials had also afflicted 
the small Itinerant band in New England. They were 
hedged in on every side by a decayed church, whose chief 
remaining vigor consisted in its pertinacity for its antiquated 
polemics and its intolerance towards dissentient sects ; they 
had reached, too, a degree of advancement, where more than 
at any earlier period of their history, the sectarian jealousy 
of the established churches became excited and alarmed; 
but they surmounted all impediments, and made good pro- 
gress. Their Circuits were extended on all sides ; eighteen 
were reported at the next Conference — a gain of more 
than one fourth on the number of the precedmg year. 
Lee had surveyed extensively the wilderness of Maine, and 
was now on his way to the Conference, to solicit a laborer 
for that vast field, carrying with him a schedule of appoint- 
ments, which, after personal inspection, he had definitively 
arranged into a Circuit that extended along the Kennebec, 
quite into the interior of the Province. New Hampshire and 
Vermont were also " stretchuig out their hands," and the 
Itinerant corps resolved to extend its lines into those remoter 
regions, at the approaching Conference. Thus the three re- 

*MS. Sketch of the History of Methodism in Boston, by Col. Binney, in the Records 
of tlie church for 1800. 



INCIDENTS OP 1793-4. 



239 



maining sections of New England were about to be regularly 
occupied by them. 

While the aggregate membership of the church had de- 
creased during the year more than 2000, the local member- 
ship in New England had advanced from 1739 to 2039 — 
a small addition when compared with the progress of later 
years, but large for those earlier days of trial and struggle. 

These additions were generally distributed among the 
young societies. Boston reported 49, a gain of 8 on the re- 
turns of the preceding year ; Needham 76, a gain of 26 ; 
Lynn 149, a loss of 17 ; Greenwich 30, a gain of 14 ; War- 
ren 127, a gain of 69 ; New London 219, a gain of 169, 
Middletown 187, a gain of 15 ; Litchfield 195, a gain of 11 ; 
Tolland appears, for the first time in the returns, with 334, 
but as it was chiefly a reorganization of the Hartford Circuit, 
we cannot determine precisely what was its gain or loss ; 
Granville reports 148, a gain of 58 ; Pittsfield 305, a loss of 
25 ; Fairfield 220, a loss of 21. These additions, or diminu- 
tions, were often efiected by alterations of the Circuits, which 
frequently occurred in those days. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



EARLY METHODIST CHURCHES IN NEW ENG- 
LAND. 

The First Society formed by Lee in New England — His Visits to the town of Stratford — 
Trials — Asbury's description of a Scene in the Town-house — Subsequent Prosperity 
— Formation of the Second Class — The oldest Methodist Layman of New England and 
his Family — The Church at Redding — First Methodist Chapel in New England — 
Lee's Visits to Easton — The Church there — Norwalk. 

About five years had now elapsed since the arrival of Lee 
in New England. The history of Methodism in the East, 
during this its dawning period, is mostly and necessarily, 
the biographical annals of its pioneer ministry. They 
were themselves the only Methodists within its limits, when 
they entered them, and for several years their exten- 
tive plans and gigantic labors constitute the only prominent 
facts of our history. 

Meanwhile, they were laying, unostentatiously, but sub- 
stantially, the foundations of our cause, by the formation of 
several societies, which, though at first composed of few 
members, without chapels or apparent means of providing them 
in the future, and distinguished before the pubUc mind by 
imputations of heresy, fanaticism and contempt, were, never- 

240 



EARLY METHODIST CHURCHES. 241 

theless, the first in a series that has since extended into near- 
ly every city, town and village of New England, spreading 
over its surface a ripe harvest of piety. Let us leave the 
evangelical laborers' to refresh themselves in the interviews 
and deliberations of the Conference of 1794, while we review 
somewhat, the five years' labors just closed, in the history of 
the principal societies which they had thus far established. 

The first Methodist society established hy Lee in New 
England was formed in Stratfield, a parish of the town of 
Stratford, near Bridgeport, in a small place called " Mutton 
Lane," on the 26th of September, 1T89. Three " elect 
ladies " composed it, who have all gone to the church tri- 
umphant. 

Mr. Lee first visited the town, on July 3d, 1789. He was 
entertained by a liberal minded Deacon, by the name of 
Hawley, who opened his house for the preaching of the Itine- 
rant stranger. The latter says it was filled, and that he had 
great satisfaction in addressing the people, " some of whom 
were melted into tears." " I felt myself," he adds, " trans- 
ported with joy," and he predicts that Grod would do " great 
things for the neighborhood." He found here " about a doz- 
en that met every week, for the purpose of conversing on the 
subject of religion, and of spending some time in prayer." 
Even these Christian inquirers were, however, soon disaf- 
fected by the charges of heresy which were circulated against 
the new sect. In about six weeks he visited them again, 
and observed that though some " heard with watery eyes," 
yet others who were very polite to him before, now took no 
notice of him, and " no one invited him to his house." " I 
hope," adds the courageous Itinerant, " God will soon revive 
his work in this place, for the devil begins to roar." 

His next visit was on the 25th of September. He preached in 
the evening, and afterwards spoke personally to about twenty 
21 



242 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



persons, in " a kind of class-meeting." ' The next day he es- 
tabhshed his first society in New England. The house in 
which it was formed is still regarded by the Methodists of 
Stratford, with affectionate interest. The little class of three 
" remained alone for some months," he remarks, " before 
any one else united with them." * Their names were Ruth 
Hall, Mary Hall, (afterwards Mrs. Wells,) sisters, and Ruth 
Wells, (afterwards Mrs. Risley.) The first two died in the 
same house in Stratfield, in which they were born, and where 
Lee made his early home in the place. Mary died, Septem- 
ber 11th, 1827, in the sixty-ninth year of her age. Ruth 
died, August 5th, 1829, in the seventy-fourth year of her 
age. Mrs. Risley died in Fairfield, a mile or two distant 
from the place where the others ascended to heaven. The 
three devoted women thus honorably distinguished, lived the 
life and died the death of the righteous. As Christians and 
as Methodists, they were steadfast, unmovable, and always, 
through evil report and good report, abounding in the work 
of the Lord. Their end was peaceful and full of hope, and 
that of Mrs. Wells remarkably triumphant.f They have, 
doubtless, joined " the innumerable company "in "the gen- 
eral assembly and church of the first-born which are written 
in heaven," but their memory will ever be fragrant as sweet 
incense around our altars. 

It was not long before Mr. Lee procured the use of the 
town-house, in the principal village, for preaching. Large as- 
semblies listened to him there with the deepest interest. On 
one of these occasions, he was invited home by Mr. Peck, whose 
house became his resting place, and many of whose family 
have since been honored members of the church in Stratford. 
The society gradually strengthened. On the 19th of May, 



* History of Methodism, 1789. 

t Letter from Rev. H. Husted to the Writer. 



EARLY METHODIST CHURCHES. 243 

1790, Lee and Daniel Smith visited Capt. Peck, and formed, 
in his house, a second class. It consisted of but two mem- 
bers. Their names were John Peck and Margaret Plumb, 
(afterwards Mrs. Beardsley.) The latter was an eminent 
Christian, adorning, through a long life, the doctrine of God 
her Savior, in all things. She died in Fairfield, in the eighty- 
third year of her age, with the triumphant words " King Je- 
sus," on her lips. Capt. John Peck, through a protracted 
life, w^alked worthy of the gospel, was an upright man and a 
devoted Christian. He lived to be over eighty years of age, 
and died in the State of New York, in what was formerly 
known as the " Black River region." He left a most satis- 
factory evidence that he had not followed a cunningly devised 
fable. * 

But as the little flock grew in importance, it attracted hos- 
tility. "When Asbury visited the town in 1791, a vote was 
passed, as we have seen, to close the town-house against the 
new sect, and v/hile he preached in it for the last time, some 
smiled, some laughed, some swore, some talked, some prayed, 
some wept." "Had it been a house of our own," he adds, 
" I should not have been surprised had the windows been 
broken." He met the class the same day, and found " some 
gracious souls " there. He states the number of the society 
to be twenty at the time. 

Better days have passed over the struggling church. " At 
Stratford," says a Presiding Elder of the District Avhich in- 
cludes it, " w^here Mr. Lee bestowed considerable labor, (and 
where he was kindly entertained by Mr. Peck, of whose fam- 
ily we might make honorable mention, and many of whom 
are now excellent members of our church,) has the good seed 
sprung up, and brought forth much good fruit. There we 



* Letter from Rev. Mr. Husted to the Writer. 



244 



MEMORIALS OP METHODISM. 



have a meeting-house, and a large, flourisMng society." * The 
first chapel was erected in 1810, and rebuilt in 1839. It 
has become an efficient station, and now numbers two hun- 
dred members. The society has ever been, and continues to 
be, much united. " Take it as a whole," says its present 
pastor, " I have never known it surpassed for Christian char- 
acter." Many of its older and most influential members have 
gone, within a few years, triumphantly to heaven ; but they 
have left upon the church the permanent and hallowed im- 
pression of their godly example. 

The second class formed hy Lee in New England^ was 
commenced in Redding, Conn., December 28th, 1789, and 
consisted of but one male and one female member — Mr. 
Aaron Sandford, and Mrs. Hawley, his wife's mother. Mr. 
Bandford has, therefore, the peculiar distinction of being the 
first layman of the Methodist societies founded by Lee 
in New England. f His hospitable roof has sheltered the way- 
worn Itinerant for more than fifty years. " Here," says one 
who knows, " the Itinerant has always found a friend and a 
home ; here the Christian brother has always found a kindly 
reception, and a resting-place." % " He has lived," says 
the same writer, " to see the work of God spread all 
around him, far and wide, beyond his most enlarged expecta- 
tions. He has had ten children, nine of whom have been 
married ; and he has had the unspeakable pleasure of seeing 
them all converted to God, and joined to the same church 
with himself. Three of his children have died in the faith ; 
two of his sons, with himself, are local preachers. He has 
about a dozen grand-children, who are members of the same 

* Article in the Ch. Ad. and Journal, Nov. 23, 1832, by Rev. Heman Bangs, 
t Mr. Sandford was also the first class leader, first steward, and firdt local preacher in 
the new societies formed by Lee. 
X Article in the Ch. Ad. and Journal, Nov. 23, 1832, by Rev. Heman Bangs. 



EARLY METHODIST CHURCHES. 



245 



cliurcli, and one of them is now actively engaged in the Itin- 
erant ministry." 

The Half-Way Covenant, as it was called, was in vogue at 
that time in Connecticut. Persons not members of the church 
subscribed to it, in order to procure baptism for their children. 
Mr. Sandford had signed this Covenant. No sooner had he 
become a member of the Methodist class, than he was sum- 
moned before a parish church-meeting, without information 
of the cause. On arriving, he was accused of breaking the 
Covenant. He replied that his subscription to it was made 
in the time of his spiritual ignorance, and that he did not 
deem himself bound by it now, since God had enlightened 
his understanding, and shown him the way in which he should 
walk. With humble boldness, he exhorted all to seek for a 
more entire consecration to Grod, and retired from among 
them. He was steadfast to his profession, and " in about 
eleven months, two more were added to their number, viz., 
Samuel S. Smith, (a lawyer,) and Mr. Sandford's wife." Both 
have gone to their reward. " From this time," says the 
same writer, " the good work contiuned to spread in the 
land, amidst much opposition. They dwelt like Moses' bush, 
in the midst of the fire, but were not consumed ; and like the 
children of Israel in the midst of Egyptian bondage, they 
continued to multiply and increase. Mr. Sandford's house 
became one of the first homes of the Methodist preachers in 
New England, and the general cry was ' he will be ruined ; 
they will eat him out of house and home.' But it is worthy 
of record what God has done for him, as for many other old 
brethren who first embarked in the cause of Methodism in 
New England. Mr. S. has lived to prove the prophecy re- 
specting poverty and ruin false. I stated above, that he has 
seen all his children happily converted to God, and become 
members of the same church with himself; I will now add, 
21* 



246 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



that he has lived also to see them all comfortably settled in the 
world. God has blessed him ' with the dew of heaven and the 
fatness of the earth.' I suppose Mr. S., his eldest son, and one 
of his sons-in-law, are the three wealthiest men in the town 
of Redding." 

From its origin, the church at Redding has continued to 
prosper. At the Conference in 1837, it became a Station, 
under the pastoral care of Rev. J. Crawford. During the 
summer and fall of this year a new and commodious house of 
worship was erected, beautifully located, and within a few feet 
of the very spot where Mr. Lee preached his first sermon in 
the village. In connection with the dedication, and during 
the following winter, there was a gracious outpouring of the 
Holy Spirit. Many were converted to God, and received in- 
to the church. There was also considerable revival under 
the ministry of Rev. D. Smith, in the fall of 1842. Other 
seasons of refreshing have been enjoyed, and additions have 
been made to the church, from time to time, so that, exclu- 
sive of deaths and removals, it now numbers two hundred and 
twenty-eight members. " We have," says the present pas- 
tor, " a very good congregation, a flourishing Sabbath school, 
and an excellent choir. There is quite a good parsonage, 
the church has been newly painted, inside and out, is free 
from debt, the seats are free, and men and women sit apart, 
as in former days. The preachers are well supported, a 
commendable liberality is exercised towards our benevolent 
institutions, and we are now looking with prayerful interest 
for further prosperity. In connection with this charge, we 
have a society of about fifty members, at what is called Long 
Ridge, four and a half miles north-west, where, in 1840, a 
small but neat and elegant church was erected. We give 
them one sermon in four weeks ; the intermediate time is 
supplied by the local preacher. ' Father Sandford ' is yet 



EARLY METHODIST CHURCHES. 



24T 



living, in the ninetieth year of his age. He retains his fac- 
ulties remarkably well, except that of hearing. He continues 
full of faith and hope, and rejoices in hope of the coming of 
the Lord." * 

Easton, Conn., (formerly Weston,') eight or ten miles 
from Redding, is distinguished as the locality of the society 
which erected the first Methodist Chapel in New England, 
though the building itself was located a little beyond the 
boundary hne of the town, mostly in what is now TurnbuU, 
about one fourth of a mile north from its south west corner, 
and the same distance from the north-west corner of the town 
of Bridgewater." f 

Mr. Lee preached in the town the first time, on the 25th 
of September, 1797. His text was, Matthew 22: 14: — 
" Many are called, but few chosen." 

" I had," he says, " a very large congregation ; the house and yard 
■were filled. I felt much liberty in speaking, and continued just two 
hours from the time I began. The people were affected under the 
word. I labored to prove that all men were called to leave their sins, 
and that power was given, with that call, to obey it ; and that man was 
called before he was chosen. I had a Congregational minister sitting 
just before me, and a Baptist minister close to my left hand, and while 
I was drawing the bow at a venture, and letting the arrows of truth 
fly, I found the ministers were greatly frightened at the noise of them, 
or else wounded by their barbed points, for they would turn and twist, 
and writhe, during the discourse, which proved that their feelings were 
not of the most pleasant kind. When I was done, the Baptist minister 
spoke to me, and said, if he took my ideas, either he or I was in some 
very great errors, &c. An aged man told him he thought it was very 
ill usage, to speak in that manner before the people, for he believed 
that the people were well satisfied with what they had heard, and his 
speaking might prevent them from being benefitted ; that if he had 
any fault to find with the discourse, he should have taken me out and 
told me privately wherein I was wrong. The preacher undertook to 
speak a little more, but another old man began, and they soon silenced 
him. The other minister set oflT, and when he got to the door he turn- 
ed round and said, ' he should set himself in order against the next 
Sabbath day, to expose the errors which his people had heard that day.' 

* Letter from Rev. J. D. Marshall to the Writer. 

I Letters of Rev. Messrs. Busted and Perry to the Writer. 



248 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



The hornet's nest is stirred up, and if they sting or persecute me, 1 
must bear it as they bore the arrows ; but if I ara shielded, they cannot 
hurt me." 

The good people of Easton, notwithstanding the clerical 
outcry of heresy, stood up firmly for the new doctrines, for 
they were the bread of life to their hungering spirits. In 
about three months Lee preached to them again, in the 
house of David Olds. 

" I preached," he says, " on Acts 17 : 30 : — ' And the times of this 
ignorance God winked at ; but now commandeth all men every where 
to repent.' I insisted much on the willingness of God to save the 
world ; and that he never commanded any man to do what he could 
not do. The Lord was with us, of a truth. Several hundreds were 
together ; the house was large, but scarcely sufficient to hold the peo- 
ple, and some of them stood outside, with their hats off, and the snow 
falling on them, yet they seemed contented to hear the word. Most 
part of the assembly were very solemn, and many heard with tears in 
their eyes. Surely the Lord will not let his word fall to the ground 
or return void. In this neighborhood, there are many real friends to 
the Methodists ; and a little below they are engaged in building a 
preaching house for us, without consulting me on the subject. O 
Avhat a mercy it is that God gives such a preacher as I am favor in the 
eyes of so many people in this part of the world." 

This church was erected with as much zeal, if not as much 
despatch, as was that at Lynn — the first in Massachusetts. 
" It was built," says the writer in the Advocate and Journal, 
from whom we have quoted, " in quite a novel way, as I was 
informed by one of our old members, (not then a member,) 
who helped to do the work. Mr. Lee said one day to the 
congregation, after preaching, (I believe there was no society 
at the time,) that if they had a meeting-house, they should 
have Sunday preaching. They took the hint. One gave 
timber ; some took their oxen and drew it to the spot ; some 
went to scoring and some to hewing the timber, and they 
framed, raised, and finished it about in the same way, with- 
out much concert or plan ; but any way, they soon had a 
house, which they called ' Lee's Chapel,'' where they could 



EARLY METHODIST CHURCHES. 249 

worship God according to the dictates of their own con- 
sciences." Thus rose the first Methodist Chapel in New 
England. 

"The Lord," says this writer, "has done wonders for 
"Weston." The first chapel became, in time, too strait for 
their numbers. In 1813 it was superseded by a new and 
much larger edifice located within the town of Easton. It 
was dedicated by Rev. Dr. Bangs, with a sermon on Hag. 
2 : 7 : " The glory of this latter house shall be greater than 
the former," &c. Easton is now one among a numerous 
series of prosperous stations into which the first Circuit of 
Mr. Lee has been divided and subdivided, as the increase 
and efiiciency of its churches rendered prudent. The mem- 
bership at Easton is at present 220.* 

NoRWALK, Coj^N., is noted in our history as the place 
where Lee first preached in New England. On the 17th of 
June, 1789, he took his stand, as we have seen, under an 
apple tree on the pubHc road, a short distance north of the 
bridge, or centre of the town, and after singing and prayer, 
proclaimed to about twenty hearers, "Ye must be bom 
again." Thus did Methodism commence its mission in New 
England. He felt " happy for so comfortable a place," and 
left the town for other labors, expressing the anticipation 
that he should " yet have in it a place where he might lay 
his head." He had but few opportunities of revisiting it, be- 
fore the arrival of his first fellow laborers determined him to 
direct his travels to the eastward, but his successors in Con- 
necticut nurtured the good seed which he sowed on the high- 
way. 

The first class was formed about two miles from the village, 
near the Darien line, at what time cannot be precisely ascer- 



* Minutes, 1846. 



250 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



tained. It was probably in 1790. The oldest record of the 

church is a class paper," containing ten names ; it is but 

half of a letter sheet. " The members of this class," -writes 

the present pastor of the church, " have all gone. Sweet be 

their sleep, and precious be their memorj."* 

We give, from the same authority, the following sketch of 

the later historv of the church : 
«/ 

Ahsolom Day^ a young man who had been converted 
among the Methodists in New York, moved into South Nor- 
^ walk, about a mile from the upper village, in 1791 or 1792. 
He married a young lady of the place, in February, 1793, 
and, in May following, commenced house-keeping. He im- 
mediately invited the preachers to his home, which, hence- 
forth, became a " church," and preaching, once a fortnight, 
was established there. A number of persons were awaken- 
ed and converted ; and the old class having been removed to 
this place, their number was quite respectable. But trials 
awaited them. The society, after a few years, began to 
wane, and in 1801 the preachers had given out their last ap- 
point, for the village, designing to bestow their labors upon 
other fields. Isaac Candee came to fill the appointment, and 
under his first sermon six persons were awakened. A general 
interest was now excited on the subject of religion. A gra- 
cious revival followed, and the society was at once renewed 
in numbers and influence. 

Mr. Day's house being too small to accommodate the peo- 
ple who now attended Methodist preaching, they resorted to a 
school house near by. They were, however, soon deprived 
of this accommodation, by the Congregationalists, and left to 
provide for themselves as best they could. 

Bishop Asbury, in his visits to New England, was accus- 



* Letter of Rev. W. C. Hoyt to the Writer. 



EARLY METHODIST CHURCHES. 251 

tomed to pass through this place, and put up with Mr. Day. 
On one of these visits he addressed him as follows : " Br. 
Day, you must build a house for the Lord." He replied 
that it was impossible for him to do it. " But," said the 
Bishop, you musty He then gave him a pocket book, which 
he desired him to keep as a memento, and handed him ten 
dollars towards building a church. This money Mr. Day 
tried many times after to persuade the Bishop to take back, 
but in vain. 

In 1816, the society laid the foundation of a large and 
commodious house of worship, on the north verge of the 
South village. In this church hundreds of souls have been 
converted. In 1843, the old church was taken down, and a 
new one erected in its place. The present building is a 
beautiful edifice, one of the best in Fairfield county, and the 
present membership about 250. In this church, on a pleas- 
ant Sabbath, a large and attentive congregation may be seen 
listening to the word of life. 

Such are a few of the churches organized at this early 
date in Fairfield county. Conn. Of the general success of 
our cause in that section of New England, a recent publica- 
tion speaks as follows : 

The success of Methodism in this county is as astonish- 
ing to ourselves as it is mysterious to others. When we con- 
sider the former set and uniform opposition with which it had 
to contend — opposition arising from ignorance, prejudice, 
and interest — and look at its present temporal and spiritual 
prosperity, we exclaim with wonder and admiration, ' What 
hath God wrought ? ' ' The Lord gave the word, and great 
was the company of those that pubhshed it.' Beautiful and 
commodious churches have sprung up, as if by magic, in al- 
most, if not quite, every town of the country ; and in no 
country sections of our Conference are good parsonages so 



252 MEMOEIALS OF METHODISM. 

frequently to be met with. Our congregations, for the most 
part, are large and respectable. In the various philanthropic 
and benevolent enterprises of the day, our members are 
warmly engaged. The preachers and people still beheve in 
the old doctrines of Methodism — repentance, faith^ holiness, 
and the crowning glory ' the best of all is, God is with 
us ! ' " * 



* Congregationalism and Metliodisnij by Rev. William C. Hoyt. New York: 1846. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



EARLY METHODIST CHURCHES IN NEW ENG- 
LAND — CONTINUED. 

Original Vigor of Methodism — Lee's first Visit to Hartford, Conn. — His second Visit 
— Preaches in tlie State House — Formation of the first Methodist Society there — 
Its Extinction — Its Renovation — Struggles and Triumphs — Lee's first Visit to War- 
ren — Daniel Smith's Visit — Formation of the first Society — Ezekiel Cooper — Mr. 
Martin Luther — Erection of the first Methodist Chapel in Rhode Island — Its Dedication 
by Lee — Overthrow of the Society — Its remarkable Resuscitation and subsequent 
Prosperity — The Church in Bristol — Persecutions and Providences — Later Success. 

When we consider the formidable difficulties wMch Meth- 
odism had to surmount, in its earlj progress in New England, 
we cannot be surprised that its advancement, in many places, 
was tardy, and in some, attended by discouraging reverses. 
There were instances, indeed, in which, after energetic and 
persevering labors, and much incipient prosperity, nearly utter 
extinction followed. But scarcely one such case can be found 
where the buried germ, whose early sproutings were appar- 
ently obhterated, did not in some more genial day shoot forth 
again with renewed vigor, and bud, blossom, and bear fruit ; 
and not unfrequently, shake like Lebanon. Such was the 
22 253 



254 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



vigor of the doctrines, discipline, and spirituality of Method- 
ism. 

We have seen an instance of resuscitation, after almost 
entire declension, in Nor walk. The church in Hartford is 
another example. The biographer of Lee informs us that he 
visited Hartford on the 9th of December, 1789. 

" He continued in the city two days, during which time he preached 
twice or thrice, to large and attentive congregations. He was much 
pleased with the visit, and was encouraged to hope that God was about 
to open an effectual door for the preaching of the gospel by the Meth- 
odists in that place. His hopes were fully realized, for many were 
stirred up to inquire the way of the Lord more perfectly, and to see 
that there was something in religion which they had never expe- 
rienced." 

Soon after the arrival of Messrs. Brush, Roberts and 
Smith, he passed, with the latter, to Weathersfield, where, as 
we have noticed, he met with two " old friends, from Hart- 
ford," who cheered him with the information that his former 
labors there, were yet producing fruit, and that the Lord 
was reviving his work " in the city. He immediately left 
Mr. Smith in Weathersfield, and departed for Hartford, 
where he put up at Mr. Winship's, a private lodging prepared 
for him by his two friends. Here I was informed," he 
says, " that several persons were awakened by my preaching, 
when I preached here before." The good news " humbled 
his soul in the dust, and strengthened his faith." As usual, 
he proceeded to labor again, forthwith. The State House 
bell was rung, and at two o'clock, he ascended the desk, and 
proclaimed " Quench not the spirit "to a " large company 
of hearers, who heard with great attention and many tears." 
" Glory be to God," exclaimed the tireless Itinerant, for his 
goodness to me in preaching his word. I felt as if it had 
taken hold on the hearts of the hearers." 

At dark, the same evening, he was again in the State 



EARLY METHODIST CHUECHES. 



255 



House, exhorting the people to " FigJit the good fight of 
faith,^^ and " lay hold on eternal life,^^ " Some of them 
were willing," he sajs, " to give us the right hand of 
fellowship, and bid us God speed in our undertaking." The 
next day he spent in " visiting the sick and the well, who de- 
sired his company." In the afternoon he held a small social 
meeting " with some persons who came to converse on the 
form and power of godliness ; " but of course, " according to 
the New England custom, a little time was spent in talking 
sibout principles. At night he preached again in the State 
House, to a greater assembly " than had ever been seen there 
on any occasion." His word was in power ; he could scarce- 
ly keep from weeping aloud, and after the service several 
persons came to him, entreating his prayers. He left the 
city the next day, believing that the good seed he had sown 
would yet spring up and bear fruit to the glory of God. 

On his way to Boston, from the New York Conference, in 
October, 1790, he again passed through Hartford, and 
formed a society ^ Of the subsequent history of this " lit- 
tle flock," we can learn nothing whatever. The existing 
records of the church extend only to 1820 ; an hiatus occurs 
from that period back to 1790, during which we have but a 
single and discouraging glimpse of the position of Methodism 
in the city. Mr. Lee revisited New England in 1808 ; he 
passed over the whole field of his former labors, with grate- 
ful surprise at the prosperity of the churches which he had 
planted with so much privation and labor. After a delightful 
tour far into the interior of Maine, he returned through Mas- 
sachusetts. On " Sunday, 25th of September, he crossed 
Connecticut River to Hartford, and preached in the old play- 
house, in the morning and in the afternoon ; ' but,' says he, 
' there is a very poor prospect of doing good in that plaxje by 
our preachers.' " This is all we know of the history 



256 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

of Methodism in Hartford, during a period of thirty 
years. 

It is quite certain, indeed, that the original society dwin- 
dled entirely away, and though Eoberts, Smith, Garrettson, 
Hibbard, and other veterans, occasionally preached in a barn 
of the suburbs, and sometimes in a school-house of the city, 
yet for several years prior to 1820, no society existed there, 
and the preachers who visited the place from Middletown and 
Granville Circuits were repelled by apparently insuperable 
discouragements. 

So far as we can learn, the present society dates its origin 
from a visit of Rev. J. N. Maffitt, in 1820. There was then 
in Hartford but one Methodist, Mr. Chester Coe.* The sec- 
ond was Mr. John Jewett, who moved, with his family, to the 
city, in April, 1820. He had been a captive among the In- 
dians in Oregon, was a man of lively devotion, and a remark- 
able singer. "He could snag from morning to night, and 
night to morning," says our correspondent. His house was 
the first opened for the social devotions of the renovated so- 
ciety. He died the next year. " Bishop Hedding preached 
his funeral sermon to a very large and respectable congrega- 
tion, for though Mr. Jewett was a poor, he was also a very 
upright man, and by his extraordinary singing abilities great- 
ly aided the progress of the work of God in the httle soci- 
ety." 

Mr. Maffitt was permitted to preach after six o'clock on 
Sunday evenings, (a part of the evening not then considered 
" holy time," in Connecticut,) in the Old South Congrega- 
tional Church, of which Dr. Fhnt was pastor. Several per- 
sons were immediately awakened under his labors. " The 
first prayer-meeting was held," says the Record, " in the 
house of Mr. Jewett, at which were present six persons only, 



* Extract from the Records of 182J, in a letter of Rev. George Coles to the Writer. 



EARLY METHODIST CHUECHES. 257 

viz., Mr. Jewett and wife, Mr. Coe, two females, and a col- 
ored man." The society passed through a series of severe 
struggles and vicissitudes, before it became securely estab- 
lished. From Dr. Flint's church, it removed its meetings to 
the new State House, where Mr. Maffitt commenced preach- 
ing on Sunday, the loth of August. " Several persons were 
awakened on the same day, and in the evening," says the 
Record, " we had a prayer-meeting at Mr. Jewett's house ; it 
was full, and two mourners were present. Meetings were 
kept up three successive evenings." As they were not al- 
lowed to hold evening worship in the new State House, they 
had to repair to the old Court House, on Church street, 
which was occupied by several families. There they held 
evening meetings, on both Sundays and week-days, and the 
number of hearers greatly increased. They were soon com- 
pelled to take down the partitions, and form several rooms in- 
to one, which was spacious enough to make " a tolerably large 
chapel." When Mr. Maffitt," continues the Record, " re- 
turned from visiting several neighboring towns and villages, a 
glorious work of the Spirit commenced ; through his preach- 
ing hundreds were under conviction of sin, and many were 
converted in the old Court House. Upwards of one hundred 
joined the Methodist Society that winter." Bishop Hedding 
visited them about this time, and administered to the new 
church its first sacrament of the Lord's Supper, in the Court 
House. In 1821, they removed to a large room over some 
stores, at the corner of Burr and Maine streets, called Tal- 
cott's buildings, which they named ^' The Chapel." They " 
were blessed with several conversions here, also. In July, 
Rev. Samuel Merwin, then Presiding Elder of New Haven 
District, visited them, administered the Lord's Supper, and 
encouraged them to attempt the erection of a chapel. He 
soon after sent them Benoni English, as a pastor^ Success- 
22* 



258 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

i 

ful thus far, through many changes and hard struggles, they 
pressed on energetically, till their present commodious temple 
was erected. Deacon Josiah Beckwith, of the Centre Con- 
gregational Church, united with them, and it was principally 
through his influence and liberality that the chapel was erect- 
ed. He was a devoted man and has long since gone to 
heaven.* 

One of Mr. Maffitt's chief supporters, during this revival 
of the Hartford church, was Mr. Job Allyn, of Windsor, who 
took him to his home in that town, after the labors of the 
evening in Hartford. Mr. Allyn, was not, at that time, a 
Methodist, but behoving that the young church was not right- 
ly treated, he espoused their cause with generous courage, 
and aided them throughout their struggles. He afterwards 
became a member of the society, and has done much for its 
prosperity. 

Mr. Enghsh was succeeded in the pastorship of the society 
by Ebenezer Brown, and the latter by Lewis Pease. A suc- 
cession of able laborers have followed him. " The church 
has been repeatedly refreshed with showers of living water." 
Many souls have passed from death to life, through its instru- 
mentality ; many have died in the faith, and have gone to 
swell the songs of triumph above. f Thus did Methodism 
come forth from its temporary grave in Hartford, unto a 
resurrection of life. Its chapel was renewed and enlarged 
in 1839-40, by contributions given as an offering in com- 
memoration of the centenary of Methodism. The last returns 
of members from Hartford, report three hundred and twenty- 
one, including fifty-nine at East Hartford. 

Warren, R. I., is noted in our history as the locality of 
the first Methodist chapel erected in the State of Rhode 



* Christian Secretary, Hartford, 1847. 

t Letter of Rev. P. C. Oaklcj to the Writer. 



EARLY METHODIST CHURCHES. 259 



Island. Lee visited the town in 1790, on his route from 
Connecticut, through Rhode Island, to Boston. " He was 
invited," says his biographer, " by the ministers of other de- 
nominations, to preach in their pulpits, and was treated kind- 
ly by the people generally." The immediately subsequent 
events in the history of Methodism in Warren are but vague- 
ly remembered by the few survivors of those early days. 
We are indebted to one of its pastors * for the following 
facts. 

" Some time about the year 1790, Mr. Samuel Pierce — a Freewill 
Baptist, residing in Kikamuit, in the town of Warren, a little east of 
the village — on his way from Newport, fell in with the Rev. Daniel 
Smith, whom he invited to his house to preach. Mr. Pierce sent a lad 
around among the neighbors, to give notice that a Methodist minister 
would address them at his house that evening. The boy, from mis- 
chief, or because he wished to call out a large congregation, varied his 
notice to suit the different families upon which he called. To the 
Baptists he represented that Mr. S. was a Baptist, and among Univer- 
salists he was said to be one of their denomination. At the time ap- 
pomted, the house was well filled, and the people were greatly pleased 
with the new preacher. What astonished them most of all was that 
he knelt when he prayed. In 1791, Lemuel Smith and Menzies Rai- 
nor preached in Warren for six months, each visiting it once in four 
weeks. During this time a class was formed, consisting of 12 or 14 
members, the most of whom belonged to a Freewill Baptist Church in 
Rehoboth. They took this step with the advice of their own minister, 
as their place of worship was several miles from Warren, and their 
attendance necessarily irregular. In 1792, Ezekiel Cooper preached 
at Warren. He was on his way to Boston, where he exercised the of- 
fice of Presiding Elder the next year. A surviving member of the 
church remembers distinctly the texts from which he preached : Rom. 
1 : 16, I. Cor. 16 : 22, and I. Kings, 6:8 — the last rather a singular 
one, certainly, and he framed out of it a singular but ingenious ser- 
mon, which excited much interest in those days.f 

"In 1793, Philip Wager was appointed to Warren. He was the first 
Methodist preacher regularly sent there. Up to this time, the society 
had worshipped in a barn fitted up for the purpose, and situated half a 
mile east of the village. The devoted Itinerants found an early friend 
in Mr. Martin Luther. His house was for years their home. Several 
members of his family were converted, and united with the church, 
and one of them, Mrs. Patience Child, remains to this day one of its 



* Rev. Robert M. Hatfield. 

t See account of the church at Marblehoad. 



260 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



most esteemed members. It need hardly be said that the Methodists 
were opposed in Warren, as ignorantly and %vith as blind a bigotry as 
in the other New England towns. For years after they had preached 
there, it was currently reported, and by many believed, that they made 
no use of the Bible in preaching, but took their texts from polemical 
books which they carried in their saddle-bags. During the time that 
Mr. Luther's house was their home, he received an anonymous com- 
munication, in which he was warned against harboring these " vagrant 
impostors," and in conclusion was threatened that if he did not turn 
them out of doors, his house would be pulled down about his head." 

In 1794, Jolin Chalmers was stationed there, and during 

this year a house of worship was erected. Jesse Lee 

preached the dedication sermon. Mr. Lee arrived in the 

village on the evening of the 20th of Sept., and " put up at 

Mr. Martin Luther's." The next day was the Sabbath. At 

10 o'clock, A. M., he preached in a barn, from Jeremiah 23 : 

19 : "Is not my word like as a fire, saith the Lord ; and 

like a hammer, that breaketh the rock in pieces ? " He 

" found freedom in preaching and was much comforted." At 

2 o'clock, P. M., he preached again, on Eph. 4: 7: 

" Neither give place to the devil." 

" I found," he says, " much of the divine presence, and could bless 
God for the favorable opportunity of teaching the people. The Lord 
has dealt kindly with the inhabitants of this place since I was here 
last. We have a considerable society formed, a preaching-house rais- 
ed, and the top of it covered. I have no doubt but that God is among 
these people." 

Two or three days were yet necessary to prepare the 
building for dedication. He preached, during the interval, 
in Bristol, and other neighboring places. On Wednesday, 
the 24th, was the great event, as it was then deemed, of the 
history of the infant church — the dedication (though in a 
condition which would, in this day, be considered not half 
finished) of the first Methodist chapel of the State. Lee 
preached the dedicatory discourse at 4 o'clock, P. M., from 
Haggai 2 : 9 : " The glory of this latter house shall be great- 
er than of the former, saith the Lord of Hosts ; and in this 



EARLY METHODIST CHURCHES. 



261 



place will I give peace, saith the Lord of Hosts." The preacher 
had but little difficulty in proving the first proposition of his text, 
for their only sanctuary hitherto had been a barn or private 
house. He had " liberty in preaching," a phrase that means 
much when used by him. "It is the first Methodist meet- 
ing-house," he adds, " which has been built in the State, 
and this is the first sermon preached in it. I hope God will 
own the Methodists in this town." His prayer has been pre- 
vailmg in heaven ever since. Though trials have tested the 
society, and at one time reduced it almost to extinction, yet 
has God " owned'' ^ it, and raised it up from apparent ruin to 
a destiny worthy of its distinction as the parent church of 
the State. This festal day was closed with more private and 
sacred devotions. The little company of disciples met to 
mingle their praises and tears of joy in a class-meeting, 
which was conducted by the great evangelist. " The power 
of the Lord was among us," he exclaims, " and many souls 
were happy in his love." 

But whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth ; " he " scourg- 
eth every son whom he receiveth," and disciplhaes his church 
by afflictions. The society at Warren was destined to wit- 
ness a signal interposition of renovating grace, and in such 
a manner that " the excellency of the power might be of 
God and not of " man. Not long after the dedication of its 
chapel, it desired a stationed preacher, and though it contin- 
ues for several years to give its name, in the Minutes, to a 
Circuit, it was really an independent Station. John Hill had 
charge of it, and taught school meanwhile in the village, as 
a collateral means of support. Mr. Hill, on some alleged 
provocation, took offence, and seceded from the church, car- 
rying \vith him many of its members. Then came the day 
of trial ; the yet feeble society was scattered and peeled, till, 
in 1800, only tivo members remained. They were both fe- 



262 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



males, and the consecrated honor of their steadfast example, 
in the day of darkness, is no inglorious distinction among the 
many precious memories of their sex which are embalmed in 
the history of Methodism. Their names were Nancy Childs^ 
and Amy Easterhroohs. Like the two Marys at the supul- 
chre of Christ, they still sought for their Lord at the gi-ave 
of the extinguished church. They remained immovable, a- 
bounding in the work of the Lord. Deserted by all the rest 
of the society, they nevertheless maintained prayer-meetings 
in private houses, and in 1801 their humble and persevering 
efforts were crowned with the blessing of God. The Holy 
Spirit was poured out upon the village ; some fifteen converts 
were added to their number ; the society was resuscitated, 
and commenced again its career, under better auspices than 
ever. It has since had its share of trials — the providential 
discipline of God's true Israel, in all ages — but has come 
forth from them all with songs of deliverance. In 1805, the 
chapel which had previously been left unfinished, was put in 
order, and furnished with a pulpit, sounding-board, and pews. 
In 1833 it was still further improved; increased prosperity 
required additional improvements in 1836, and in 1846 it 
was superseded by the present elegant and substantial edi- 
fice, one of the best in Rhode Island. 

Thus did the sacred fire burst forth again from its own 
ashes, in Warren. The society there has become a strong- 
hold of Methodism ; a host of devoted watchmen have stood 
successively upon its towers, and it is now one of the most 
efficient stations of the Providence Conference, reporting a 
membership 250 strong. Surely they that " believe in Him 
shall not be confounded ; " and " though they fall, they shall 
not be utterly cast down, for the Lord upholdeth them with 
his hand." 

The first Methodist sermon preached in Bristol, R. I., 



EARLY METHODIST CHURCHES. 



263 



was delivered by Jesse Lee, on July 2, 1790. By some 
means, a Mr. Daniel Gladding (father of the late Nathaniel 
Gladding, of Bristol) heard that a Methodist Itinerant was 
to preach on the 30th of June, at Newport, and would the 
next day pass through Bristol to Providence. 

" Having a curiosity," says our authority, " to know what kind of 
people the Methodists were, he resolved to stop the preacher and induce 
him, if possible, to address the good people of Bristol. On July 1, he 
looked out sharply, to hail the stranger as he passed. At last he saw 
two men leisurely trotting their horses through the village. Being at 
a distance from them, he dropped his work, and set off upon a run to 
overtake them. He reached them upon the bridge, after they had passed 
the village. Inquiring, quite out of breath, if they were Methodist 
preachers, he ascertained that one of them was Lee himself. They 
were induced by his entreaties to return, and were entertained at 
his house. The next day, their curious host spread far and 
wide a notice of their arrival, and of Lee's intention to address them. 
He preached to them accordingly, and passed on to Warren." * 

In about two years after, Lemuel Smith was appoint- 
ed to Providence Circuit, which included Bristol. A society 
had been formed which comprised eighteen persons. They 
were permitted to occupy the Court House ; not, however, 
without much annoyance from the rabble, who concerted nu- 
merous plans to disturb and break up their meetings. 

" On one evening a man came to the door and cried, ' Come and see 
a blazing star ! ' Numbers ran to see the sight, threw the congrega- 
tion into disorder, and closed the services for the evening. At another 
time, a gang came with drum and fife and the discharge of fire arms, 
marched around the building, and drowned the preacher's voice. The 
mob often followed the women to their homes, hooting, and throwing 
stones among them. On one occasion, the sons of Belial determined 
to make a desperate effort to deter the people from hearing the new 
preachers. They obtained liberty to use a swivel which was on board 
a vessel in the harbor, and announced that it would be planted before 
the Court House for the public amusement, and to menace the devoted 
few who went thither to worship. Towards evening, they went on 
board the ship for the gun, having induced several sailors to join them ; 
but in getting it into the boat, by some mishap they lost it overboard. 
Perhaps they had stimulated rather too much to manage with discretion ; 

* Letter from Rev. Asa Kent. 



264: 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM, 



at any rate the gun disappeared for ever. All fishing and dragging for 
it were useless ; there, I suppose, it still lies. The opposition became 
too intolerable to be borne by some of the members of the infant soci- 
ety ; they actually moved away, in order to find a place of quietness 
and peace." * 

In the spring of 1775, three of the most important fami- 
lies of the church left the town, and the society became so 
discouraged and reduced both in numbers and resources, that 
a house could not be found to accommodate the preacher at 
his periodical visits. Thomas Coope was on the Circuit, 
and being utterly discouraged at the depressed condition of 
the appointment, and seeing only before it the prospect of 
further declension, if not extinction, he announced that he 
could visit them but once more unless they could save him 
from the necessity of staying at the village tavern, by pro- 
viding him a lodging. The heart of the feeble society sunk 
like lead," says our correspondent. " What can be done ? " 
was their inquiry, " for we cannot do without the bread of life." 

Bristol was thus, like several other early Methodist socie- 
ties, whose history we have narrated, tried in the fire. But 
man's extremity is God's opportunity. About this time, two 
young ladies, whose hearts were knit together in affection, 
joined the dwindling church, and entered with the warmest 
sympathy into all its necessities and trials. They immedi- 
ately exerted themselves to procure a " a prophet's cham- 
ber," and the funds necessary to continue Methodist preach- 
ing in the town. Their pious diligence was successful. 
Means were provided, the lodging procured, and " made all 
right just before what would otherwise have been their 
last meeting." Thus was the germ of Methodism in Bristol 
saved from utter decay, to be nurtured (though through 
much subsequent adversity) into a vigorous growth, and to 
refresh under its branches, in later years, scores and hun- 

* Letter from Rev. Asa Kent. 



EAELY METHODIST CHURCHES. 265 

dreds of redeemed souls. One of these devoted women has 
since entered the church on high ; the other has been known 
in our churches throughout New England, as the excellent 
companion of one of our veteran preachers, the Rev. Asa 
Kent. 

The young church took courage. They needed it, for 
though they had secured the ministration of the word of Ufe 
at regular, but distant intervals, they were yet feeble, with- 
out resources, and a derision to scorners ; but they held on 
their humble way longer, without a sanctuary, yet often 
cheered with the revelation of God's glorious grace and the 
salvation of sinners. At last they had increased sufficiently 
in numbers and resources to attempt the erection of a tem- 
ple. " They raised and finished," says our correspondent, 
" the outside of a building, which was forty feet by fifty, and 
though seated with rough benches, it seemed to them after 
the similitude of a palace." In about a year they completed 
the inside, and this gave them stronger hope that they should 
finally come forth victorious from all opposition. In 1812, a 
remarkable revival of religion spread through the town, 
during which one hundred members were added to the socie- 
ty ; and in 1820, a still more eminent work of grace occurred, 
and resulted in the addition of more than a hundred and fifty 
souls to their numbers. After many and severe trials, the Bris- 
tol church has become an efficient station. Its last returns re- 
ported two hundred and fifteen members, and while we pen 
these lines, the fire of divine grace is shining more radiantly 
than ever around its altars. 

Four among the churches we have thus far enumerated, 
Norwalk, Hartford, Warren, and Bristol, present a striking 
similarity in their history, and teach a most encouraging les- 
son. One was abandoned in despair by the travelling minis- 
try, and another was about to be ; one became extinct, and 
23 



266 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



anotlier was saved from extinction bj the steadfastness of only 
two members ; yet have they all, by signal providences, risen 
from their ruins, and become strongholds of our cause. 
" Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the 
morning ; " therefore " sing unto the Lord, 0 ye saints of 
his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his hohness." 



I 



CHAPTER XV. 



FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN 
MASSACHUSETTS. 



Lee'3 Visit to Lynn — Mr. Benjamin Johnson, Sen. — The first Methodist Society in 
Massachusetts formed — Its first Temple — Remarkable Incident — Erection of 
the first Methodist Chapel in Massachusetts — Pastors — Statistics — Signal Honors 
of Lynn. 

The church in Lynn has the peculiar distinction of being 
the first Methodist Episcopal society formed in Massachusetts 
— an honor which can never be forfeited. While despondent, 
and almost friendless, in Boston, in the winter of 1790, Lee 
received, as we have seen, a letter from Mr. Benjamin John- 
son, Sen., of Lynn, inviting him to visit that town. 

" It was on the 14th day of December, 1790," says one of his suc- 
cessors in Lynn, " that he came. He came not by steam, as he would 
have come fifty years afterwards, but the keen winter wind swept along 
his pathway, as over those snowy plains he pursued his cold journey. 
There were few that knew his coming, and when he arrived, and as he 
rode along the Common, it was as when any stranger comes. Here 
and there, perchance, an eye from the comfortable parlor might have 
fallen upon the chilly traveller, as he passed slowly by ; but no one 
dreamed that he was looking upon the forerunner of Methodism — 
the pioneer of a new and powerful church, that was destined to spread 
itself as the fruitful vine. He passed by, that night, the very spot 
where we are now assembled ; [the chapel at the Common.] But he saw 



267 



268 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

here no beauteous church, or waiting audience, to welcome his coming 
What might have been his thoughts, as he entered the village, must 
remain unknown to us. Yet who doubts that as that good man jour- 
nied hither, he came praying ? A pious stranger, in a strange land, 
come for no other purpose than to be a blessing to the people, did he 
not, as he passed along these streets, lift up a frequent prayer 
for the divine influence to accompany his visit ? Was not that prayer 
a prayer of deep and solemn agony ? Was it not breathed forth 
from the soul's depths, accompanied with strong crying and tears ? 
That prayer was heard in heaven." * 

The Itinerant stranger checked his horse in front of a spa- 
cious house, at the corner of Essex and Market streets,! not 
far from the present site of the Lynn Common Church. It 
was the habitation of Benjamin Johnson. He was received 
to its warm hearth, and its warmer hearts. Mr. Johnson had 
heard the Methodist preachers in the South, some twenty 
years before, and behoving that they were " men who showed 
the way of salvation," he welcomed them to the hospitalities 
of his home. His name stands at the head of the oldest ex- 
isting record of the Lynn church. J He died in 1810, aged 
sixty-nine years, but the descendants of his family have pre- 
served the name familiar among the Methodists of Lynn. 

The arrival of Mr. Lee was too late for an evening ser- 
vice, but the village was quite generally advertised, the next 
day, that he would preach, at night, in the house of his host. 
He had a large company present, to whom he declared that 
" God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world ; 
hut that the world through him might he saved. '^^ " Bless the 
Lord ! " he exclaimed, on retiring to rest, that night, " bless 
the Lord, 0 my soul, for bringing me among this people." 

A profound impression was made by the first discourses of 
Mr. Lee. "As soon as we began to preach in Lynn," 



* Rev. Charles Adams' Half Century Sermon. 

t Mr. Johnson's house was taken down the present spring, 1847. 

X The date of this Record is 1819. We have failed to recover any earlier one. 



FIRST M. E. CHURCH IN MASS. 



269 



he says, " the word had a powerful effect on the hearers, 
who flocked to hear it by hundreds." * 

On the 20th of February, 1791, he formed the first class, 
not only of Lynn, but of Massachusetts. It consisted of only 
eight persons ; f but in one week twenty-one more were added 
to the number, and on the 9th of the following May it amount- 
ed to fifty-eight ; while, on the same day, more than seventy 
men took certificates of their attendance on and support of 
the Methodist ministry, in conformity with the religious stat- 
utes of the Commonwealth at that time. J Of the twenty-nine 
members of the first class, Lee says ; " Some of them were 
truly engaged with the Lord, and much devoted to his ser- 
vice ; while others were sincere seekers of salvation." § 

The first meetings of the new church were held in Mr. 
Johnson's house ; but their augmented numbers soon required 
more room. They found it in a neighboring barn, deeming 
it not, in their necessity, unbefitting the humble followers of 
Him whose birth-place was a manger, and whose temple was 
the open field. Their subsequent pastor, from whom we have 
already quoted, eloquently remarks : — 

" The ground floor of this church was the homely plank of the thor- 
oughfare. The pews were the rough, uncushioned boards, that were 
extended across that thoroughfare. The galleries were the lofts, or 
scaffolds, where hay was wont to lodge, but which had now disappeared, 
to make way for the crowds that had climed up thither to listen to the 
words of salvation. Concerning the pulpit, I have thought it necessa- 
ry to make but little inquiry. Doubtless, it was in keeping with the 



* Lee's History of Methodism, p. 165. 

■\ Lee's History of Metliodism, j). 165. Dr. Bangs says, (Vol. I., Anno 1790,) the num 
ber was thirty. 

They continued, however, to be assessed, and were compelled to pay for the sup- 
port of the Congregational clergy till they appealed to the law, in a suit for damages. The 
Rev. Enoch Mudge was one of their witnesses. " They recovered," he says, " but yet 
had to pay the parish for assessing and collecting the money." 
$ Lee's History, p. 165. 

23* 



270 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

rest of the fixtures already named, corresponding well with the other 
features of the picture. Such was the chapel wherein was cradled the 
infant church, which has since grown up to so much vigor and ability. 
And if any one is inclined to despise such a beginning, let him first 
pause a moment and remember that in circumstances not entirely dis- 
similar, the great Head of the church began his glorious career on 
earth. A stable was the lodging-place of the infant Savior, and a 
crib once cradled him who was Christ the Lord. Let him ask himself, 
too, whether he would not, even now, prefer a place of worship so hum- 
ble, with the presence of the Holy Spirit's influences, to the more 
splendid church, adorned with every ornament save the presence and 
glory of Immanuel." 

The Rev. Daniel Smith and Jesse Lee exercised their pow- 
erful ministry in this barn till the first Methodist Chapel was 
covered, and a rough under-floor laid in it. 

The roll of the first society in Massachusetts should have 
been preserved sacredly, as a precious document of the 
church ; but it is probably lost irrecoverably. Yet the first 
names of the earliest class have been embalmed in the memory 
of the church. They were, Enoch Mudge, Sen., and his wife, 
Lydia ; Benjamin Johnson, Sen., and his wife ; Mary Lewis, 
Hannah Leigh, Ruth Johnson, and Deborah Mansfield, now 
widow Ramsdell. " These all remained steadfast in the faith, 
and all, except widow Ramsdell, (who still lives,) died ia 
great peace." * There are a few venerable survivors of those 
early days, who joined the first band soon after its formation, 
and whose hearts, though beating feebly with age, are warm 
with the precious memory of their old and departed breth- 
ren. Their testimony is unanimous in respect to the deep 
piety of the infant church. Its devotion, harmony, and zeal, 
rendered it congenial with the devout and missionary soul of 
Lee. It was his oasis in the desert ; his head-quarters, from 
which, during the remainder of his labors in New England, 
he ever and anon sallied forth, inspirited by brotherly sym- 



* Letter from Rev. J. W. Merrill, Pastor at Lynn. 



FIKST M. E. CHURCH IN MASS. 



271 



pathy, and owned of God, to do battle for the truth, in hard- 
er fields. 

Of the only remaining member of the first class, we have 
the following account, furnished by her present pastor : 

Widow Ramsdell, now aged 78 years and 9 months, retains her 
faculties in more than common vigor, and is fully awaiting her last 
change, in full hope of the glory of God. As she is the only survivor 
of the first class, and as she has been for more than fifty-seven years 
a consistent Christian, the following dream, which occurred some time 
before Mr. Lee visited Lynn, may be of some interest. I have no 
superstitious views of dreams ; still, they often are curious, and some- 
times useful. I took the substance of the following account from the 
lips of the aged lady : — When a young woman, before her marrage, 
she dreamed that she was in much mental distress, but could not com- 
prehend its cause. A person appeared before her, and said, " Suppose 
you should die as you are, what would become of you ? " She an- 
swered, she thought she should be lost. He inquired, " Why ? " add- 
ing, " there is no necessity for it." He then said, " You must pray." 
She responded, " I never prayed in my life ; I do not know how to 
pray." " Kneel down," said he, " and say. Save, Lord, or I perish, I 
die, I sink into hell ! " He added other sentiments, now forgotten. 
She awoke, but the impressions of the dream followed her until the 
coming of Mr. Lee. During the interval before his arrival, she was 
often much agitated and distressed. When Mr. Lee came to Lynn, 
her father attended his meetings with great satisfaction, but she declin- 
ed to hear him, as the people had been imposed upon by a wandering 
preacher just before. When, however, he first preached at Graves' 
End, in the old Goodrich house, now standing on the turnpike, she con- 
sented to attend with her father. The house was so full that the peo- 
ple were forced to remain standing. The venerable lady describes 
the scene as impressing her mind with strange solemnity. Soon after 
she entered the house, Mr. Lee stepped to the place where he stood to 
preach, so that she could see him distinctly. As soon as she saw him, 
she exclaimed to herself, " I 've seen that man before." During his dis- 
course, he uttered many of the words spoken to her by the apparition, 
in her dream. These deepened her former serious impressions. The 
next time he preached in Graves' End he invited the people to remain 
after the discourse. This was in February, 1790. With seven others, 
she remained. Mr. Lee called this a class-meeting. When he spoke 
to her, he remarked that she appeared very wretched, and he could tell 
her what alone would comfort her. He then directed her to pray. 
She said, " I do not know how to pray." " Kneel down," said he, 
" and say. Save, Lord, or I perish, I die, I sink into hell." Hencefor- 
ward she attended his meetings. Sometimes she supposed that she had 
received a change of heart; but often doubted. In the June follow- 
ing, during a terrible thunder storm, she fell upon her knees in prayer, 



272 



MEMOEIALS OP METHODISM. 



as directed by Mr. Lee. There an application of these words, as by 
an audible voice, was made to her soul : 

" Peace, troubled soul, thou needest not fear, 
Thy great Provider still is near," <Scc. 

This hymn gave her unspeakable satisfaction, and the evidence of the 
divine favor was so clear as to leave no shadow of doubt on her mind. 
Since that time she has been a happy Christian, and her evening sky is 
enlightened and beautified by a good hope of heaven. 

The little flock were permitted a few times to hear their 
new preacher in the parish chapels. On a Sabbath some 
weeks subsequent to the formation of the class, he says, that 
after a weeping and solemn time," at Mr. Johnson's, 
where he had preached twice and " met the women's class." 

" I preached at night in the meeting-house, from Isa. 45 : 7. I had a 
very fall house, and spoke with a great deal of freedom. I had many 
to hear me that seldom come to our meetings. Yesterday I was de- 
nied the use of a pulpit in which I had frequently preached, and to-day 
I have obtained liberty to preach in one where I have never preached 
before. So it is ; I pass through good and evil report ; I have prosper- 
ity enough to keep my spirits from sinking, and adversity sufficient to 
keep me from being exalted above measure." * 

His success soon excited the fears of those who had con- 
trol of the town chapels, and it became necessary for the 
young church to provide a sanctuary for themselves. They 
" had a mind to work ; " the projected building was thrown up 
with a despatch which has seldom been equalled. It was 
dedicated, amidst the i-ejoicings of the society, in twelve days 
after its foundation was laid. " They began," says Lee, f 
" on the 14th of June, raised it on the 21st, and dedicated it 
on the 26th, 1791." The site of this edifice was near the 
one on which now stands the spacious temple that superseded 
it. The building itself has been moved to the southern part 



* Mem., chap, xi. 



t Hist, of Methodism, Anno 1790. 



FIRST M. E. CHURCH IN MASS. 273 

of the village, where it is used as a public schoolhouse. It is 
a venerable though unostentatious monument to the eyes of 
every Methodist who visits that beautiful town. 

Lee, in speaking of the erection of this chapel, says, that 
" from that time religion continued to prosper in Lynn for 
many months without any declension," and that in the course 
of the year there was an " awakening among the people in 
different places not far from Lynn." * The number of mem- 
bers reported at the Conference the next year was not less 
than 118, and the ensuing year it rose to 166. The numeri- 
cal prosperity of the church was, however, destined to under- 
go many vicissitudes. In 1794 it began to decline, and 
gradually decreased to 82, the number returned in 1801. 
The next year it suddenly rises to 121, and, with the ex- 
ception of a single year, continues to advance till 1811, when 
it reached 287. In 1821 it amounted to 400. Since then^ 
it has passed through various changes, but with a healthy 
average growth. The little band of eight members which 
Lee organised, has enlarged to nearly eight hundred in the 
village of Lynn itself, and if we include the two other societies 
of the same town, which have sprung from it, the aggregate, 
at the last returns, (1846,) was more than 1000. What hath 
God wrought ? Many, also, have gone from these churches 
militant to the church triumphant. The great Asbury pre- 
dicted aright when he said, " Here we shall make a firm 
stand, and from this central point, from Lynn, shall the light 
of Methodism radiate through the State."! 

Lynn has been served in the ministry by some of the most 
honored men in our history. Lee, Bonsai, Daniel Smith, 
Bloodgood, Pickering, Broadhead, Wells, Jane, Webb, Kent, 
Soule, Hedding, Sias, Mudge, Kibby, among the fathers of 



* History of Methodism, Anno 1790. 



t Journal, Anno 1791. 



2T4 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



our Itinerancy, and a host of others, their immediate or later 
successors, men mightj in the Scriptures," and " abundant 
in labors.^' 

Four branches have sprung from the parent church at the 
Common, and are now distinct societies in different parts of 
the town, viz : the church at Wood End, where a chapel 
was built in 1811, and has lately been thoroughly reno- 
vated ; the church in Saugus, which opened its chapel in 
1827 ; South Street Church, whose chapel was erected in 
1830, and the society in Danvers, detached from the parent 
church in 1840.* The membership reported in these 
societies, for 1846, was as follows : Lynn Common, 395 ; Lynn 
Wood End, 206 ; Lynn South Street, 169 ; Saugus, 150 ; 
Danvers, 100 ; affording an aggregate of 1020. 

l!so less than 21 travelhng and local preachers have been 
raised up in the Methodist Episcopal Church of Lynn, and 
among them the first native Methodist preacher of New Eng- 
land, who, more than half a century ago, was sent forth by 
the strugghng band to proclaim the "joyful sound " through 
the land, but has now returned to their sanctuary to die 
amidst its hallowed memories. 

The Methodists of Lynn established a Sabbath School 
for their children as early as 1816, and organized in 
1818, the first Missionary Society formed in the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church. f Five signal honors belong to the 
church at Lynn. It was the first 3Iet7iodist Society organ- 
ized in Massachusetts ; it erected the first 3IetJiodist Chapel 
in the State ; it was the seat of the first 3Iethodist Confer- 
ence held in New England ; it raised up the first native 3Ie- 
thodist preacher of New England, and it organized the first 



* Rev. Mr. Adams' Sermon. 

t Ibid. Our General Missionary Society was not formed till 1819. 



FIRST M. E. CHURCH IN MASS. 275 



Methodist Missionary Society in the United States. Hitherto, 
under the prudent and devout care of its aged members, it 
has well maintained its bright distinctions. May their chil- 
dren never tarnish these gems of honor that bestud their 
altar. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



METHODISM IN BOSTON. 

Religious state of the City before Lee's arrival — Mr. Black's Labors in Boston — Lee 
on the Common — His second Visit — Difficulties — Formation of a Class — Erection 
of the first Chapel — Col . Binney — Multiplication of Churches in the City — Statistics. 

The earlj history of Methodism in Boston is but a record 
of desperate struggles, attended with slow success, and with 
frequent declensions, if not defeats. The religious condition 
of the city was quite equivocal when Lee arrived in it. The 
Eoston churches had witnessed the displays of divine grace 
under the labors of Whitefield and Tennant, but a reaction 
had taken place, as we have seen. These mighty men of 
God had been denounced by several pastors ; the influences 
of the Spirit had been withdrawn ; declension and moral 
death fell upon the churches, and subsequently wide spread 
defection from the evangelical doctrines occurred, till only 
one of the Puritan churches (the Old South) maintained its 
adherence to them, and the fidelity of tliis one was more 
nominal than real. The public mind was passing through 
this downward progress when Methodism bore its standard 
into the city. It is no matter of wonder therefore that the 

276 



METHODISM IN BOSTON. 



277 



evangelical standard-bearers found comparatively few who 
were disposed to rally to their ensign. 

Early efforts were made to introduce Methodism into 
the city. In 1771, Boardman, the colleague of Pillmore 
— the first Methodist preachers sent over by Wesley — 
visited it, and " preached, and formed a small society," * 
but it soon after expired, for want of pastoral care. 
As early as October, 1784, WilHam Black, a revered name 
in the history of Methodism in the British provinces, preached 
" in the Sandemanian Chapel," then on Hanover, near Cross 
streets, " to large and respectable congregations." f He 
continued in the city about three months, laboring with some 
success. " Many," says the old church records, " who now 
are at rest in the arms of that Christ whom he preached, and 
many who are at this day bright and exemplary lights in the 
Baptist churches of the city, have dated their convictions of 
sin from his sermons." J The fear of the contempt associ- 
ated with the new name of Methodist led the converts under 
Mr. Black's short ministry to take shelter in other denomina- 
tions, so that on the arrival of later Methodist laborers, no 
distinct vestiges of these first efforts were found. The de- 
voted Freeborn Garrettson, on his passage from Nova Scotia, 
paused in the city, and preached several times in private 
houses, but formed no society. Lee arrived, as we have no- 
ticed, on the 9th of July, 1790. 

"Immediately," says his biographer, " he endeavored to find out 
a place where he might preach, but although he conversed with 
many on the subject, every expedient failed. He could get none to 
encourage him in his benevolent design ; none would put themselves 
to the trouble of finding a suitable place where he might deliver his 

* Bangs' mstory, vol. I., Anno 1772. 

t" Concise History of the Gathering of the Meth. Epi.'?. Church in Boston," written by 
Col. A. Binney, and preserved in the Church Records of 1800. We are indebted to 
Thomas Patten, Esq., for this record. X Ibid. 

24 



278 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

message to the people. Finding the persons whom he addressed on 
the subject quite indifferent, he finally concluded that he would preach 
on the Common the day following." 

Accordingly, at the appointed time, which was 6 o'clock, 
Sunday afternoon, he preached, as we have seen, under the 
" Great Elm " of the Common, with four persons to hear him 
at the beginning, and 3,000 at the close of his sermon. He 
passed on, the next day, to visit the coast towns, as far as 
Portsmouth, N. H., but returned the same week to the city, 
and preached to a large multitude, on the Common, exclaim- 
ing, at the close of the day, " Blessed be God, he made his 
quickening presence known, and met us in the fields." He 
continued a week or more in Boston, preaching in private 
houses, and in the Baptist church, but chiefly on the Common. 
His congregation there, on the last Sabbath, was about 5,000 
strong, notwithstanding the wetness of the earth, from the 
late rains. 

He departed for the Conference in New York, but by the 
12th of November was again in Boston. The prospect be- 
fore him was still more discouraging. He found a private 
house to preach in the next evening, but spent an entire 
month in useless endeavors to obtain a more suitable place of 
worship. The court-house, school-houses, and churches, were 
all denied him. " My cry," he says, was. Lord, help me ! " 

I met with difficulties and trials daily; yet I put my trust 
in God, and in general was confirmed in the opinion that God 
would bless my coming to Boston." He spent a week at 
Lynn, and was cheered by more auspicious prospects, but 
turned again to Boston, determined to surmount the difficul- 
ties which there beset him. " When I arrived," he says, 
" every thing seemed as dark as when I left it." 

His former labors had, however, raised him up friends, 
though they were unable, such was the popular prejudice, to 



METHODISM IN BOSTON. 



279 



procure Mm a public place for preaching. Col. Binney, re- 
ferring to Hs first visit, says that " during those field sermons, 
as they were called, there were many brought under con- 
viction who have since become bright and shining lights 
in the world." * These men gathered around him, and re- 
pulsed from all public buildings, they waited on his ministra- 
tions in the house of Mr. Samuel Burrill, (on Sheaf street,) 
who became a member of the first class which was after- 
wards formed in the city. 

The meetings at Mr. B.'s were crowded, and continued 
till June, 1792, when " the desire to hear the gospel became 
more general," and a successful effort was made to procure 
the use of a public school-house. Rev. Jeremiah Cosden 
had meanwhile become the preacher of the new church. He 
followed the usage established by Wesley in England, of 
preaching at 5 o'clock in the morning. The ringing of the 
school bell at this early hour was too great a grievance to 
certain self-indulgent citizens in the neighborhood, one of 
whom, a member of the school committee, contrived to de- 
prive them of the use of the building soon after. The little 
band had, however, caught, by this time, some of Lee's per- 
sistent energy. Repulsed on all hands, they next applied to 
the keeper of a hotel — the Green Dragon Tavern, which was 
near the Baptist Church that stands at the corner of Union 
and Hanover streets — and hired one of its rooms for their 
assembhes. They were permitted to occupy it but one Sab- 
bath, " the name of Methodist being," says the old Record, 
" too odious at that time," for the credit even of an inn- 
keeper. Their common trials only bound them more closely 
together in a common sympathy, and now driven from all 
public accommodations, they met together, and resolutely 



♦ Concise History, &c„p. 9. 



280 



MEMORIALS OP METHODISM. 



formed themselves into a society, with the determination to 
plant Methodism in the city at all hazards. " There were," 
says the document from which we have quoted, " a small 
number whom the Lord had selected, tivelve of whom, in the 
month of August, met at the house of Samuel Burrill, where 
they were joined into a society, under the denomination of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church of Boston. Thus, after many 
preliminary struggles, arose, under the most discouraging cir- 
cumstances, but with good resolution, the first Methodist Soci- 
ety in Boston. Its brief roll was headed by the name of 
Samuel Burrill. None, so far as we can learn from the 
Record, were ever expelled. Two withdrew, and two be- 
came preachers. 

"And now," says the Record, "their first object was to 
find a suitable place where they could assemble and worship 
God together." They obtained a room in the private house 
of " a Mr. John Conner, on Ship street, (now Ann street,) 
where they held their meetings for some time," but were 
compelled at last to retire from it. They then " hired a 
chamber in the house of Mr. J ohn Ruddock, opposite Clark's 
ship-yard, on Ship street, [on Ann street, near the north- 
west corner of Bartlett street.] This chamber was dedicated 
to the service of God by Rev. James Martin, a local preacher 
from Virginia, (who was in town at that time on his private 
business,) August 17, 1793, at which period the society had 
increased to about twenty members." * It was here that the 
apostohc Bishop of Methodism afterwards declared the word 
of life, amidst the competing voices of " the Jack Tars, and 
boys in the street." " Mine was the loudest," says the Bish- 
op ; " there was fire in the smoke ; we shall yet have a work 
in Boston.''^ 

* Concise History, &c., p. 9. 



METHODISM IN BOSTON. 



281 



The inconveniences attending their present place of wor- 
ship led them to a resolution," continues the Record, in 
the year 1794 — though then, as it were, in their infancy, — 
to set about building a house for the Lord." " Subscrip- 
tions," were attempted, for the purpose. Lee, who had so 
faithfully and perseveringly braved the difficulties which op- 
posed them, raised in the South and in the month of Au- 
gust, 1795, put into their treasury upwards of four hundred 
dollars. Subsequent additions made the amount from the 
South about 520 dollars. They were encouraged to pro- 
ceed, and on the 5th September, 1795, they purchased a 
lot of land on what was afterwards called Methodist Alley, 
and is now known as Hanover Avenue. The society was 
bat forty-two in number at the time. The biographer of Lee 
says that On the 28th of August he had the pleasure of 
assisting, with all due solemnities, in laying the corner stone 
of this building." * It was a wooden structure, forty-six feet 
by thirty-six. The Rev. George Pickering dedicated it amidst 
the thanksgivings and grateful tears of the infant church, on 
the 15th of May, 1796. 

" And now," says the Record, the troubled and persecu- 
ted society found, in some degree, rest to their souls." Their 
chapel was, however, but partially finished, and uncomforta- 
bly furnished. Not until 1800, could it be said to be com- 
pleted. Many debts also embarrassed it ; " but that God," 
continues the Record, " who superintends the affairs of his chil- 
dren, and who hath in a very eminent manner led this little flock 
from the very beginning unto the present, in this, their day 
of trouble, appeared in their behalf" In March, 1794, Col. 
Amos Binney joined them. He was a man of a most gener- 
ous spirit, and of extraordinary business abilities, which after- 



*Chap. XIV. This date disagrees with that of the puichase of the land. We givs 
the latter from the churcli records, and receive it as correct. 

24* 



282 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



■wards raised him to opulence. The doctrines of Methodism 
were congenial with his liberal and practical mind. He cour- 
ageously cast his lot among the members of the new society, 
in their day of trial, and by his talents and hberality conduct- 
ed them through their present struggles, and subsequently 
through still severer ones, until he had the happiness of see- 
ing Methodism established permanently in Boston.* 

The old frame building in Hanover Alley has witnessed 
wonderful displays of the savmg grace of God, and the minis- 
trations of many of the greatest men in the history of Meth- 
odism. Hundreds of souls have been renewed there, and the 
few that still linger from those days among the mass of Bos- 
ton Methodists, are distinguished for their steadfast zeal, 
their exemption from antiquated prejudices, and a beautiful 
blending of the mature wisdom of age with the undimmed pie- 
ty of their youth. Its walls have echoed the voices of As- 
bury, Coke, Whatcoat, Lee, Hedding, Pickering, Broadhead, 
Merwin, Ostrander, Wells, Dr. Sargent, Kibby, Webb, and 
other similar worthies. It was used until 1828, when the 
congregation retired to a new temple, on North Bennet street. 
Afterwards, it was for several years the scene of the labors 
of Rev. Edward T. Taylor, in behalf of seamen. It has 
since been removed to Causeway street, where it retains its 
original size and form. It is revered by the Methodists of 
Boston, as a venerable, though humble monument of the 
struggles of their fathei-s. 

A minute account of the subsequent advancements and 
chapels of Methodism of Boston, would engross too much of 
our room. We are compelled, therefore, to refer to them but 
briefly. 

The corner-stone of Broomfield Street Chapel was laid 

*Col. Binney was instrumental in founding the church at Lechmere Point, and was 
one of the moat liberal founders of the Wesleyan Academy, at Wilbraham. 



METHODISM IN BOSTON. 283 

I 

by Rev. Peter Jayne, April 15th, 1806, and dedicated the 
November following, by Rev. S. Merwin. It is built of 
brick, and measures eighty-four by fifty-four. In the middle 
course of hammered stone, in the foundation, is a block taken 
from the celebrated Plymouth rock. There were two hun- 
dred and thirty-seven Methodists in the city at the time. The 
present number at Broomfield street is between six hundred 
and seven hundred. This church had to pass through the 
severest struggles, in its early days. It was burdened with 
formidable debts. The efforts of Col. Binney, and collec- 
tions made in the Middle States, by Rev. George Pickering, 
combined with the utmost endeavors of its members, retrieved 
it, and it has since become the most efficient body of Meth- 
odists in New England, ready for every good word and work, 
firmly conservative in respect to the genuine principles of 
Methodism, and as strongly inaccessible to the novelties of in- 
novators. 

The Bennet Street Chapel is one of the finest Meth- 
odist edifices in the city. It was built for the accommodar 
tion of the church which had worshipped in Hanover avenue. 
The Rev. Stephen Martindale dedicated it, in 1828. It has 
been the scene of many extensive revivals, and most of the 
later churches in the city have been formed by detachments 
from it. Its present membership is three hundred and twen- 
ty-five. 

Chuech Street Chuech was the fourth Methodist chapel 
opened in the city. The writer had the honor of dedicating it, 
on the 4th of July, 1834. About twenty-five members were re- 
ceived at once from other churches. It has steadily increased, 
and now reports nearly four hundred members. 

Russell Street Church sprung from Church street. 
We well remember the cold, wintry day on which we preached 
the first sermon, at the Wells School House, Blossom street. 



284 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

The churcli was organized under the pastoral care of Rev. M. 
L. Scudder, in 1837, and consisted of sixty members. The 
new house was dedicated in 1838. It has recently been re- 
newed and enlarged. Its membershij}, as re^Dorted in 1836, 
was two hundred and twenty-six. 

The South Boston Church, also, sprung from Church 
street. We preached the first sermon, in an upper cham- 
ber," seated with planks, and including, perhaps, fifteen per- 
sons. They removed soon to " Harding's Hall," and formed 
a society of six members. In 1836, they removed to " Frank- 
lin Hall," with seventeen members, and left it in 1840, with 
one hundred and three. The chapel, which is one of the 
finest in that part of the city, was dedicated by Rev. E. T. 
Taylor, June 17th, 1840. It is of the Gothic style, and seats 
about four hundred and fifty persons : present membership, 
two hundred and four. The vigorous young church at Rox- 
bury also arose from Church street, but does not pertain to 
the present sketch. 

The Richmond Street Church was detached from the 
congregation at Bennet street. It was formed by Rev. J. 
Sanborn, in a hall on Merrimack street, in 1841, and consisted 
of forty-two members. Its chapel was dedicated by Bishop 
Morris, during the session of the New England Conference in 
Boston, in 1842. It reports one hundred and thirty-two 
members. 

The Mat Street Chapel is occu]3ied by the colored 
Methodists of the city, who are blessed with the labors of the 
Rev. Samuel Snowdon, an excellent man of their own color. 
It was gathered in 1818. 

The Bethel Chapel, in North Square, is owned by the 
Boston Port Society. The labors of Rev. Mr. Taylor, 
in the old Methodist chapel on Hanover avenue, were so suc- 
cessful among his brother seamen, that the liberahty of the 



METHODISM IN BOSTON. 



285 



citizens of Boston, and others, was so far enlisted in their be- 
half as to afford the generous sum of twenty-eight thousand 
dollars for the erection of the present substantial edifice. It 
is entirely of brick, except the basement, which is of unham- 
mered Quincy granite. The dimensions are eighty-one by 
fifty-three feet, and afford accommodations for one thousand 
five hundred persons. It is crowded every Sabbath. The 
Bethel originated with the Boston Methodists, and its pulpit 
is subject to the New England Conference. A spacious Sear 
man's Boarding House, Sunday and week-day schools, a store 
for seamen, and various auxiliary means of usefulness among 
them, have been thoroughly organized by the exertions of 
Mr. Taylor, and are effecting much good. 

The East Boston Church originated as a branch of the 
Bennet Street Society. Rev. H. B. Skinner, and Rev. J. 
W. Merrill, successively labored there till the Conference of 
1842, when it was recognized as a distinct church, and Rev. 
D. Richards appointed its pastor. A fine brick chapel has 
been erected for the accommodation of the East Boston breth- 
ren. They reported at the last Conference, one hundred 
and forty members. 

A new church has been organized under the care of Rev. 
B. K. Peirce, on Canton street. It meets in a hall, and 
numbers sixty members. 

Thus has the germ planted by the early Methodists, and 
watered with their tears, in Methodist Alley, grown into 
strength, and spread out, until its richly laden branches drop 
their divine fruit on nearly all points of the city, and on the 
waters of the harbor. What hath God wrought ! A writer 
in the Herald and Journal, at the time of the Semi-Centena- 
ry Anniversary of Methodism in Boston, (1842,) says that, 

" Within these fifty years we have established nine churches ; their 
increase has been at the rate of one in five and a half years — a re- 



286 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



markable success, considering our poverty, and other obstacles. It is 
clear that the same inextinguishable energy which is carrying forward 
Methodism elsewhere is at work here also. From the fifteen members 
reported in the Minutes for 1792, we have grown to two thousand six 
hundred and fifty. Our greatest success is, however, recent. Six of 
these churches have originated within nine years ; and we ought also 
to add those of Roxbury and Chelsea, for they originated with the city 
brethren, and are immediately contiguous to us. Including those of 
the city alone, we have increased within the last nine years at the rate 
of one church in eighteen months ; adding those of Roxbury and Chel- 
sea, the rate of increase has been one in thirteen and a half months. 
This exceeds the progress of any other denomination in the city, and 
we doubt whether the Methodist church in any other city of the nation 
equals it." 

It is interesting to observe the slow growth of the church 
in its earlier years, those hard times when our fathers showed 
their energy as much by their patience as by their zeal. Any 
ordinary men would have retired from the field discouraged. 
Let us look at the statistics. We give the number for each 
year : 

Year. Members. Increase. Year. Members. 

1792 15 1795 42 decrease 7 

1793 41 26 J 796 65 increase 23 

1794 49 8 

Let us pause at this first period of five years. While 
their subsequent growth has been extraordinary, their early 
tardiness was perhaps equally so. Here is an example of 
patience for all our young and toiling churches ; five years 
spent in gaining sixty-five members ! an annual average of 
thirteen — and this in a large city, and by one of the holiest 
and most energetic bands of Methodists ever organized. 
The next six years are still more striking : 

Year. Members. Year. Members. 

1797 79 increase 14 1800 70 decrease 4 

1798 86 " 7 1801 75 increase 5 

1799 74 decrease 12 1802 66 decrease 9 



METHODISM IN BOSTON. 



287 



In these last six years, then, they had gained but one ; 
and in the eleven of their existence, they had gained but 
sixty-five, at an annual average of less than six! The re- 
maining years, down to 1830, exhibit a like slow advance- 
ment. It would be interesting to our readers to examine 
them, but our limits will not allow it. We can only give pe- 
riods of five years each, datmg from the last above, and ex- 
tending to the Semi-Centenary year, 1842 : 

1807, they were 249 

287 gain in five years, only 38 
403 " " 116 



1817, 
1822, 
1827, 
1832, 
1837, 
1842, 



680 " « 277 

645 loss « 35 

788 gain « 143 

1269 " « 481 

2650 « « 1381 



It will be seen that they more than quadrepled in the last 
fifteen years given ; more than trebled in the last ten ; and 
more than doubled in the last five. 

One remark more. It will be observed that down to 1832 
their growth was quite regular and moderate, but in the fol- 
lowing periods of five years they rose at once and most 
rapidly, breaking out on the right and on the left, and more 
than trebling their numbers in ten years. AYhat caused the 
change ? It was the colonizing spirit," that began among 
them about 1834. It first produced Church Street, and 
thence have flowed streams that refresh most of the city. 
Russell Street, South Boston, Chelsea, Richmond Street, 
Roxbury, East Boston, and Canton Street charges, have all 
resulted from the impulse given to Methodism by the opening 
of Church Street chapel. There is a lesson taught us by the 
fact, but it is too manifest to need comment. 



CHAPTER XVII. 



CONFEEENCES IN NEW ENGLAND IN 1794. 

Lynn Conference of 1794 — Asbury at Cranston — New London — Springfield — Enfield 
— Wilbraham Conference — Interest of the occasion — Preachers present — Sermons 
of Asbury and Lee — Sabbath Exercises — Power of Lee's Eloquence — Appointments. 

The Conference commenced in Lynn, July 25, 1794. An- 
other session had been appointed for the accommodation of 
the preachers in the western portion of New England, who, 
therefore, were not present at the one in Lynn. AYe have 
scarcely any information respecting the latter. Asbury has 
recorded but about half a dozen lines respecting it, and no 
intimation whatever of its business, except that difficulties 
had arisen which grieved him deeply, and rendered its ter- 
mination grateful to his wounded feehngs. He preached 
before the Conference and the Society of Lynn twice on the 
Sabbath, and departed for the Wilbraham session the next 
morning, passing, with his usual rapidity, through Boston, Rox- 
bury, Dorchester, Milton, Stoughton, and Easton, a dis- 
tance of forty miles, the same day. 

288 



CONFERENCE S 



IN N. E. IN 1794. 



289 



On Tuesday, 29th, he rode through Attleborough to Provi- 
dence. " I had," he says, " no freedom to eat bread, or 
drink water in that place. I found a calm retreat in Gen. 
Lippett's, where we can rest ourselves : the Lord is in this 
family ; I am content to stay a day, and give them a sermon." 

His unfavorable allusion to Providence refers to the con- 
duct of a local preacher from Ireland, who had compromised 
(as the Bishop supposed) his Methodistic principles in an 
arrangement with some Congregational citizens, by which the 
few friends of Methodism in the town were absorbed into a 
new Congregational society, still known there as the Benifi- 
cent Congregational church." 

On the 1st of August he left his comfortable retreat at 
General Lippett's for New London, where Mr. Roberts, who 
accompanied him, preached the next day. On the following 
day the Bishop made his appearance in the court-house, and 
preached to about seven hundred people with considerable 
freedom." They continued here over the Sabbath, and held 
a Love-Feast in the upper room of the court-house, " where," 
he says, "some spoke feelingly; our sermon and sacrament 
took up three hours." " God," he exclaims, " is certainly 
among these people ;" and, he adds, " We have set on foot a 
subscription to build a house of worship, and have appointed 
seven trustees." The infant church of New London was 
destined, however, to be strengthened by trials before their 
temple could rise with the shout of " Grace, grace unto it." 
Nearly four years elapsed before it was opened.* 

" Monday 5th," he remarks, " was one of the warmest days we have 
known. We left New London and came through Norwich, twelve 
miles ; we passed Windham and Mansfield. We were met by a pow- 
erful thunder gust; but stepping into a house, escaped its effects. The 
heat was excessive, and we had no shade, except now and then a 
spreading tree : our horses were as though they had been rode through 

* Lee's History of iMethodisin, p. 198. 

25 



290 



MEMORIALS OP METHODISM. 



a brook of water. We purchased our dinner on the way, and it wag 
eweet : we labored hard till eight o'clock, and came sick and weary to 
father P s, not less, in my judgfrnent, than forty miles. 

Thursday, 7th. A day of rest and affliction of body : came to Tolland 
very unwell. I find my soul stayed upon God in perfect love, and wait 
his holy will in all things. 

Saturday, 9th. I preached in a school-house at the north end of 
Tolland, and had the house filled. 

Sunday, 10th. Brother R , though sick, went to Coventry, 

and I was left alone at Tolland, where I preached in tlie forenoon on 
Acts 2: 37, 38, with some freedom ; and in the afternoon on Colos. 2: 
6, and found it heavy work. After meeting I was taken with a dysen- 
tery, (attended with great sinking of bodily powers,) which held me 
most of the night. Monday I was better, and preached in a school 
house at Ellington. I felt great dejection of spirit, but no guilt or 
condemnation." 

He was now in the region of the " Association," which 
had arrayed itself against Methodism, under the leadership of 
Rev. Messrs. WiUiams and Huntington. " Ah ! " he exclaims, 
" here are the iron walls of prejudice ; but God can break them 
down. Out of j&fteen United States, thirteen are free ; but 
two are fettered with ecclesiastical chains — taxed to support 
ministers, who are chosen by a small committee and settled 
for life. My simple prophecy is, that this must come to an 
end with the present century." He was too sanguine, the 
ecclesiastical oppressions of Connecticut were not aboHshed 
till 1816, and his own sons in the ministry had no unimportant 
agency in effecting their removal. 

Notwithstanding his continual labors he remarks, 

" It is well for me that I am not stretching along, while my body is 
so weak, and the heat so intense ; brother Roberts is with me, and we 

both only do the work of one man in public. I heard read a 

most severe letter from a citizen in Vermont, to the clergy and Chris- 
tians of Connecticut, striking at the foundation and principle of the 
hierarchy, and the policy of Yale College, and the Independent order. 
It was expressive of the determination of the Vermonters to continue 
free from ecclesiastical fetters : to follow the Bible, and give liberty, 
equal liberty, to all denominations of professing Christians. If so, 
why may not the Methodists (who have been repeatedly solicited) visit 
these people also." 



CONFERENCES IN N. E. IN 1794. 291 



In less than a montli lie had dispatched a preacher (Joshua 
Hall) to visit these people, but untoward circumstances pre- 
vented the prosecution of the mission. 

He hastened forward. On Tuesday, 12th, he says : 

"I rode over the rocks to the Square Ponds, and found our 
meeting-house as I left it two years ago, open and unfinished. We 
have here a few gracious souls : I preached on Luke 13 : 24 ; and 

lodged with brother C , who was exceedingly kind to man and 

horse. 

" Wednesday, 13th. Came to brother M 's, on a branch of the 

Alemantick. Our friends and the people in North Stafford had ap- 
pointed for me to preach in Mr. 's meeting-house : to this I submitted, 

but it was not my choice: I was loud, plain, and pointed, on Rom. 8 : 

6, 7. Mr. was present, and after meeting, kindly invited me to 

his house. I went beyond my strength at brother M 's ; we had 

a crowd of hearers, and some melting among the people. I felt my- 
self so moved that I could not be calm. I gave them a sermon in 
West Stafford, on Heb. 3 : 12, IS, 14. I am awfully afraid many in 
these parts have departed from the love, favor, and fear of God. I was 
led to treat particularly on unbelief, as the soul-destroying sin. 

" Saturday, 16th. I rode up the hills, where we had some close talk ; I 
observed there was good attention, and some melting in the congrega- 
tion. I came to L. S.'s ; here some of the young people are with us, 
and the old people prefer hearing the Methodists preach to the hearing 
of sermons read. 

" Sunday 17th. I came to the new chapel in Wilbraham, forty by 
thirty-four feet, neatly designed. I was unwell, and under heaviness 
of mind. I preached to about four hundred people, who were very at- 
tentive, but appeared to be very little moved. The standing order 
have moved their house into the street, not far from ours ; and they 
think, and say, they can make the Methodist people pay them ; but I 
presume in this they are mistaken." 

On Wednesday, 20th, he visited Springfield. He gives us 
the outline of his sermon there, on Acts 2 : 22. It is a speci- 
men of the invariable simplicity and perspicuity of his dis- 
courses. " I showed, 1. What we must be saved from ; 2. 
That we cannot save ourselves ; 3. On whom we must call 
for salvation ; 4. That whosoever thus calls on the name of 
the Lord, without distinction of age, nation, or character, 
shall be saved." 

On Friday, 22d, he arrived at Enfield, " a capital town," 



292 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

he says. He tarried there over the Sabbath, and preached 
from Acts 5 : 29, 33. " We had," he writes, " a solemn 
sacrament ; but 0 ! my soul is distressed at the formality of 
these people. Brother Roberts preached in the afternoon to 
a crowded house, and at five o'clock I had to preach to a few 
sermon-stupified hearers of different denominations. Oh my 
Lord ! when wilt thou again visit the people of this place." 
Tuesday, 26th, he rode twelve miles to Wapping. He says : 

" I was happy to have an opportunity of retreating a little into much 
loved solitude at Capt. S 's, a man of good sense and great kind- 
ness. I had some enlargement on Isai. 55 : 6, 9, and was enabled to 

speak with power and demonstration. I preached at T. S 's 

barn : my spirits were sunk at the wickedness of the people of this 
place. My subject was Isai. 64 : 1, 7. O what mountains are in the 
way ! Idolatry, superstition, prejudice of education, infidelity, riches, 
honors, and the pleasures of the world. Ver. 7 : " None calleth." 
Prayer of every kind is almost wholly neglected. " That stirreth up 
himself." Oh ! how might men address their own souls : as, O ! my 
soul, hast thou had conviction, penitence, faith, regeneration ? Art 
thou ready to enter the unseen, unknown state of happiness, and stand 
before God ? or wilt thou be content to make thy bed in hell ? 

" I lodged at the oldest house in Windsor, with another brother S , 

not unlike the- captain. Notwithstanding his certificate from the 
Methodists, he has been taxed to pay a ministry he heareth not. I can 
scarcely find a breath of living, holy, spiritual religion here, except 
amongst a few women in East Hartford. If there should continue to 
be peace in America, yet I am afraid that God will punish the people 
himself for their wickedness. 

" Saturday, 30th. We were called upon to baptise a child, which Mr. 

refused to do, because the parents owned the covenant and 

have now broken it. This is the way to bind people to the good old 
church. 

" Sunday, 31st. My affliction of body and mind was great at Spencer- 
town, yet I had a solemn time in preaching in the new tabernacle to 
about four hundred people on Luke 24 : 45, 48. After an hour's re- 
cess we came together again, and some were offended, and others con- 
victed, while I enlarged on " The promise is to you and your children." 
I was in public exercise about five hours, including the sacrament, 
and was so outdone with heat, labor, and sickness, that I could take 
but little rest that night." 

On September 2d, he reached Wilbraham, Mass., " still 
weak in body," and lodged with Abel Bliss, Esq. On 



CONFERENCES IN N. E. IN 1794. 293 



Thursday, 4th, was commenced the Wilbraham Conference. 
The little band of disciples in the village, who had succeeded 
in erecting a sanctuary, were eminently comforted and profit- 
ed by this " holy convocation " of the devoted pioneers of 
Methodism in New England. As the latter arrived with 
their horses and saddle-bags, from all directions, dusty and 
wearied by long journeys, but joyful with cheering reports of 
the work of Grod, they were welcomed in the name of the 
Lord into the new temple, and to hospitable hearths and 
bountiful tables. The brethren in Wilbraham needed the 
inspiriting influence of such an assembly. They had strug- 
gled for every inch of their progress thus far ; they had 
erected their chapel amidst determined hostility, and several 
of their principal members had been carried away and thrust 
into prison for refusing to support a creed which their con- 
sciences rejected. Cheering, then, was it for them to behold 
the faces and hear the voices of the indomitable champions 
of Methodism, who were " turning the world upside down." 

The Wilbraham Conference was one of the most interest- 
ing in our early history. Great men were there, — Asbury, 
wayworn, but "mighty through God," — Lee, eloquent, 
tireless, and panting, like Coke, for " the wings of an eagle 
and the voice of a trumpet, that he might proclaim the gos- 
pel through the East and the West, the North and the South," 
— Roberts, as robust and noble in spirit as in person, — Wil- 
son Lee, " a flame of fire," — Ostrander, firm and unwavering 
as a pillar of brass, — Pickering, clear and pure as a beam 
of the morning, — young Mudge, the beloved first-born of 
the New England Itinerancy, — the two Joshuas of Maine, 
Taylor and Hall, who, like their ancient namesake, led the 
triumphs of Israel in the land of the East, — and others whose 
record is on high. 

Such were the men present. The exercises were what 
25* 



294 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



might have been expected from such evangelists, — dis- 
patch of business, incessant public devotions, and daily 
preaching. " Friday, 5th," says Asbury, " we had a full 
house, and hastened through much business." The same 
day, Lee, on his route from the Lynn Conference to New 
Hampshire, arrived, " sat with them, and attended preaching 
at night." Saturday was a great day ; Lee, Roberts and 
Asbury preached — the three principal men of the occasion. 
The Bishop's discourse was on Mai. 3 : 1, 4 : " Behold I 
ivill send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before 
me ; and the Lord ivhom ye seek shall suddenly come to his 
temple, even the messenger of the covenant, ivhom ye delight 
in ; hehold he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts. But ivho 
may abide the day of his coming ? And who shall stand 
ivhen he appear eth ? For he is like a refiner^ s fire, and like 
f idlers'' soap. And he shall sit as a refiner and p)U7ifier of 
silver, and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and judge them 
as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offer- 
ing in righteousness. Then shall the offering of Judah and 
Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, 
and as informer years.^^ He treated on " the coming and 
work of J ohn the Baptist ; the coming, work and doctrine 
of Christ, and his changing the ordinances and priesthood 
with the ministry and discipline of the church." 

At 11 o'clock Lee ascended the pulpit, and closed the 
morning session by a powerful sermon, full of encourage- 
ments to preachers and people, from II. Cor. 12 : 9 : " 3fy 
grace is sufficient for thee.^^ " The power of the Lord," 
writes the great evangelist, " was amongst us." He was pro- 
foundly affected himself, few men indeed had better tested 
the promise by experience. He wept, and the sympathetic 
emotion spread through the assembly, till there was sobbing 
and ejaculations in all parts of the house. " I felt," he 



CONFEKENCES IN N. E. IN 1794. 295 



says, " the grace of God sufficient for me at the time, and 
I was willing to trust him all the days of my life. 0 ! what 
a precious sense of the love of Jesus my soul enjoyed at that 
time ! Let the worldHng boast of pleasure, I will not envy 
his happiness ; give me the love of Jesus, and I desire no more." 

Sunday was a jubilee day. The services commenced at 
8 o'clock, A. M. The first hour was spent in prevailing 
prayer, and in singing the rapturous melodies of the great 
Poet of Methodism, the doggerels of later days having not 
yet come into vogue. Asbury then mounted the pulpit, and 
addressed the throng ; appealing to the ministry, like a veter- 
an general to his hosts on the eve of battle ; calling on them 
to " put on the whole armor of God," and " endure hardness 
as good soldiers of Jesus Christ." Conflicts were before 
them, but their weapons were " mighty through God," and 
their brethren were moving on to the victory through the 
land. Many might fall, but it would be amidst the slain of 
the Lord, and with the shout of triumph. 

After a stirring discourse, he descended the pulpit and 
consecrated, by our impressive service, four young men to the 
militant ministry of the Itinerancy — three as Elders, one as 
Deacon. Preachers and people then crowded around the 
altar, and with solemnity and tears commemorated the suffer- 
ings of their Lord. Lee's ardent spirit was moved within 
him, for to him it was a " solemn time," " quickening " and 
refreshing. 

The assembly was dismissed, but the people withdrew only 
for a few minutes. They again thronged the house, and were 
addressed in a series of exhortations by Lee, Amos G. 
Thompson and Joel Ketchum. The exhortation of Lee is 
spoken of to this day as an example of overwhelming eloquence. 

The crowd," says one who heard it,* " moved under it like 

* Rev. Enoch Mudge. 



296 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

the forest under a tempest." " It "was a time of God's 
power," says Lee. Stout hearts broke under the word, the 
fountain of tears was opened, there was weeping in all parts 
of the house ; the emotion at last became insupportable, and 
the overwhelmed assembly gave vent to their uncontrolable 
feelings in loud exclamations. The eloquent man of God 
addressed all classes, 1, sinners ; 2, mourners in Zion ; 3, 
Christians ; 4, backsliders ; 5, young people ; 6, the aged ; 
and lastly, ministers." The services finally closed after con- 
tinuing seven hours and a half. " It was," exclaims Lee, 
a blessed day to my soul." 

The Conference was publicly concluded amidst this deep 
interest ; the preachers immediately mounted their horses and 
Avere away for their new fields, without tarrying for meals. 
Ten or twelve of them, with Asbury in their midst, passed on 
rapidly to Enfield, " where," says the Bishop, I got my 
dinner at seven o'clock in the evening." Lee's soul was yet 
on fire from the exercises at Wilbraham, and though he had 
taken neither dinner or tea that day, except a crust of bread 
which he had begged at a door on the route and ate on horse- 
back, yet, after "eating a little," he went with Roberts to 
the meeting-house in Enfield, where the people were waiting, 
and admonished them to reckon themselves " to be dead in- 
deed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our 
Lord " — Rom. 6 : 11. " It was a profitable time," he says, 
" to my soul." He " felt the power of the Lord," and had 
" freedom in preaching." Roberts followed with an exhorta- 
tion, and thus closed " the last day — that great day of the 
Feast." 

Asbury hastened away to attend the New York Confer- 
ence, passing through Middletown, where he " was taken ill," 
and Stratford, where he " had a little meeting, though heavy, 
sick, and sleepy," through fatigue. At one place on his 



CONFERENCES IN N. E. IN 1794. 297 

route, calls came to him to send preachers into New Hamp- 
shire and Maine, and at another he met the devoted Dunham, 
one of the pioneers of Methodism in Canada, who had come 
to beseech him to send additional laborers into that opening 
region. Thus the field was enlarging in all directions, and 
whitening unto the harvest. 

The New England appointments, made chiefly at the Lynn 
and Wilbraham Conference, for the year 1794-5, were as 
follows: Jesse Lee, Mder ; New Hampshire^ Joshua Hall; 
■Needhain^ Amos G. Thompson, to change in three months ; 
Boston, Christopher Spry, to change in three months ; Lynn, 
Evan Rogers, to change in three months ; MarUehead, 
John Hill, J. Rexford, to change in three months, J. Ketch- 
um ; Mtchhurg, Thomas Coope ; Orange, George Cannon ; 
Readfield, Philip Wager. George Roberts, Elder ; Qreen- 
wieh, Joseph Lovel ; Warren, John Chalmers ; New Lon- 
don, Wilson Lee, David Abbott, Zadock Priest, Enoch 
Mudge ; Middletown, Menzies Rainor, Daniel Ostrander ; 
Litchfield, Fredus Aldridge, James Covel ; Tolland, Lem- 
uel Smith, George Pickering; Grranville, Joshua Taylor; 
Vermont, Joshua Hall ; Fairfield, Zebulon Kankey, Nicholas 
Snethen ; Pittsfield, John Crawford, David Brumley. The 
last mentioned Circuit was included within a District which 
lay mostly in the State of New York, under the superin- 
tendence of Freeborn Garrettson. 

The new ecclesiastical year began with two Districts and 
part of a third, eighteen Circuits and Stations, and thirty 
preachers ; — four Circuits and five preachers more than in 
the preceding year. The names of New Hampshire, Ver- 
mont, Fitchburg, Orange and Readfield, appear, for the first 
time, in the Minutes, the latter being substituted for " the 
Province of Maine," as recorded in the Minutes of the pre- 
ceding year. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Sketches of Preachers — Christopher Spry — Evan Rogers — Thomas Coope — George Can- 
non — Methodism at Provincetown — John Chalmers — Zebulon Kankey — Wilson 
Lee — Power of his Ministry — Remarkable Incident — John Crawford — David 
Brumley — Nicholas Snethen — His History — Secession — Ecclesiastical System of 
Methodism. 

Of the thirty preachers, named in the Hst of appointments 
for the year 1794-5, eighteen had previously occupied 
New England Circuits. What information we have been able 
to collect respecting them, has already been given ; of the 
remaining twelve, we submit a few brief notices. 

Christopher Spry came to New England in one of those 
frequent detachments of laborers which the Baltimore Con- 
ference (or what then was virtually, though not nominally, the 
Baltimore Conference) dispatched to the help of Lee. He 
commenced his Itinerant labors on Somersett Circuit, Md., in 
1787, and from that year till 1794, travelled successively 
Annamessex, Northampton, Dover, Kent, Queen Ann's and 
Caroline Circuits, all within the region of that Conference. 
In 1794, he was sent by Asbury to the East, with John 

298 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



299 



Chalmers, Evan Rogers and George Cannon. His first New 
England appointment was at Boston. In 1795, he travelled 
the Tolland Circuit with Nicholas Snethen, who has since at- 
tained a marked, though not an enviable record in the history 
of the church. In 1796, Mr. Spry returned to Maryland, and 
was appointed to the office of Presiding Elder, which he sus- 
tained during five years, having under his superintendence, 
men whose names are distinguished in the annals of the 
church ; among them were William Beauchamp, Solomon 
Sha,rp, John Harper, Alexander McCaine, Philip Bruce, 
Thos. Morrell, and several also of the noble band who had 
gone from the Baltimore Conference, to aid the first strug- 
gles of Methodism in New England, but had returned, 
among whom were Dr. Roberts, Wilson Lee, John Blood- 
good, Zebulon Kankey, Fredus Aldridge, &c. On retiring 
from his District, in 1801, he travelled Queen Ann's Circuit; 
the following two years he labored respectively on Chester- 
town and Calvert Circuits, and in 1804 passed into the local 
ranks. " He was esteemed in New England," says a cor- 
respondent, " for his excellent Christian and ministerial charac- 
ter. He was then a man of discreet and substantial, rather 
than strong qualities. He commanded the respect of those who 
knew him, and performed good service to the church, during 
the short time he was in these parts. He was a tall, plain 
man ; a sound, useful preacher." * 

Evan Rogers commenced his Itinerant ministry within the 
Baltimore Conference in 1790, a year in which a host of New 
England pioneers began their ministerial travels, including 
Pickering, Cannon, Aldridge, Lovell, Christie, Rainor, &c. 
His first Circuit was Millford, Del. He subsequently trav- 
elled, in successive years, Talbot (as colleague of Shadrach 
Bostwick, afterwards a distinguished laborer in New Eng- 



* Letter of Rev. E. Mudge to the Writer. 



300 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



land,) and Wilmington Circuits. In 1794 he came to the 
East and was stationed at Lynn ; the ensuing two years, he la- 
bored respectively on Middletown Circuit, as colleague of Joel 
Ketchum, and Tolland Circuit as colleague of Thos. Coope. 
He located in 1797,* a year in which a number of names 
belonging to the annals of New England Methodism were 
transferred to the local list ; among them were those of Cannon, 
Covel, Woolsey, Aldridge, and Chalmers. He was educated 
a Quaker, and his subsequent life was marked by the sobrie- 
ty and precision of that sect. " He was," says one of his 
companions in labor, " a pleasant, serious man, a good preach- 
er, gentlemanly in his deportment and made a favorable im- 
pression at first sight." f 

Thomas Coope's first appointment w^as at Fitchburg, 
Mass., in 1794 ; the next year he travelled Orange Circuit, in 
the same State, and the year following was colleague of Evan 
Rogers, on Tolland Circuit. In 1797, he is recorded as ex- 
pelled ; the first case of expulsion in the New England Meth- 
odist Ministry. 

George Cannon joined the Itinerant Ministry in 1790, 
and was appointed to Clarksburgh Circuit, in the north west- 
ern part of Virginia, then within the Baltimore Conference ; 
he subsequently travelled the Randolph and Fairfax Circuits, 
(two years on the latter,) and in 1794, came to the East and 
labored on the Orange (Mass.) Circuit. The following year, 
he was stationed at Provincetown ; the present vigorous Meth- 
odist church in that town was formed during this year. Soon 
after Mr. Cannon's appointment, a mob destroyed the timber 
collected for the erection of a chapel, and tarred and 
feathered the preacher in effigy. Neither the society nor its 

*Not 1795, as stated in Bangs' Alphabetical Catalogue, 
t Letter of Rev. E. Mudgc to the Writer. 



BIO aHAPHIC AL SKETCHES. 



301 



pastor, however, succumbed to this extreme hostility, but prov- 
ided new timber, (a costlj article at Provincetown, where it 
can be had only by importation,) erected their temple, and in 
about four months entered it with songs of praise. 

In 1796, Mr. Cannon was stationed at Marblehead, and 
the next year located. He afterwards removed to Nantuc- 
ket where he introduced Methodism. But the abandonment 
of the ministry produced, in his case, the usual result of such 
deviations from duty — he became absorbed in secular cares, 
fell into doctrinal errors, and retired from the church. Fre- 
quently in his hoary age might this once useful man be seen 
trembhng under the discourses of his old fellow laborers, in 
the midst of the church which he himself had formed. He 
clung, however, to his errors — a species of universalism — 
and was suddenly summoned to his final account ; falHng 
backwards, " his neck broke and he died." 

John Chalmers was a native of Annapolis, Md. He re- 
membered his Creator in the days of his youth, and began to 
preach in the local ministry at the early age of sixteen. He 
commenced his Itinerant labors in the Baltimore Conference, 
and was appointed to the Lancaster circuit, under the super- 
intendence of Philip Bruce, in 1788, a year distinguished as 
the date of the commencement of the Itinerant ministry of 
John Bloodgood, John Lee, John Hill, John Allen, Kobert 
Green, Lemuel Smith, David Kendall, and other early evan- 
gelist in New England. During the next five years he trav- 
elled, respectively, Fairfax, Kent, Severn, (with John Hill,) 
Frederick and Little York Circuits, all then within the range 
of the Baltimore Conference. 

Inspired by the example of the many heroic Itinerants 
who had already left that prosperous section of the church 
to assist Lee in the harder fields of the East, he came hither 
himself in 1794. His first New England appointment was 
26 



302 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

Warren Circuit. He had the honor here of originating the 
first Methodist Chapel erected in the State of Rhode Island. 
Methodist preachers in those dajs, seldom tarried longer than 
one year at the same appointment, and their frequent transi- 
tions often, as we have seen, extended over distances which, 
in even these days of ready communication, would seem ex- 
traordinary. Mr. Chalmers' next movement (1795) was to 
Montgomery Circuit, Md., on the Potomac River. The 
following year he travelled Fairfax Circuit, Ya., under Josh- 
ua Wells, (a name dear to many in New England,) and in 
1797 located. His nine years of Itinerant labor were dis- 
tinguished by " great acceptance and usefulness." In 1832, 
he was re-admitted to the Baltimore Conference, as a supernu- 
merary, and appointed to Fairfax Circuit, the last he had 
travelled in the days of his vigor. His health failed rapidly, 
but he was returned to the same Circuit the next year ; he 
had not long arrived in the field of his labors, before he was 
compelled to retire to the home of a friend, in Montgomery 
Co., Md., to die. On the 3d of June, 1833, he departed to 
his rest, " full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and rests for- 
ever — his labors and his works do follow him." * His last mo- 
ments," say his brethren of the Baltimore Conference, "were 
such as might have been expected from a life like his. His 
intercourse with God, through the mediator, was uninterrupt- 
ed, his peace undisturbed, his triumph complete. He was long 
and extensively known, highly appreciated as a pious man, and 
greatly .beloved as an able and successful minister of Christ. 
Many were the seals of his ministry, some of whom entered 
the port of rest before him ; others remain to bless the 
church with their godly walk and conversation." 

Zebulon Kankey began his Itinerant labors on Duchess 



♦Minutes, 1834. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



303 



Circuit, N. Y., in 1792, under the superintendence of Free- 
born Garrettson. The next year he was colleague of Moses 
Crane on Otsego Circuit, N. Y. In 1794, he entered New 
England, and travelled Fairfield Circuit, Conn., with Nicholas 
Snethen, the ensuing year he was the colleague of Lemuel 
Smith, on Granville Circuit, Mass., and in 1796, passed to the 
Baltimore Conference, and travelled Kent Circuit, Del., under 
the Presiding Eldership of Christopher Spry, his former fel- 
low laborer in the East ; the next year he was appointed to 
Cecil Circuit, and in 1798 located. 

Wilson Lee was one of the most zealous, laborious, and 
successful Methodist preachers of his times. Thousands 
of stars bestud his crown of rejoicing in heaven. He was 
born in Sussex Co., Delaware, 1761, and entered the travel- 
ling ministry in 1784. The scene of his first years labors 
was the Alleghany Circuit, among the mountains of the Al- 
legany ridge, in the westernmost county of Maryland. The 
ensuing two years he travelled respectively the Redstone 
(Ya.) and Talbot (Md.) Circuits. In 1787, he penetrated 
to what was then the wilderness of the West, and labored on 
the Kentucky Circuit. He continued to travel in Kentucky 
and Tennesee during the next six years, laboring night 
and day, sufifering great privations, and encountering the se- 
verest hardships. " It may be truly said," remark his co- 
laborers,* " that Wilson Lee hazarded his life upon all the 
frontier stations he filled, from the Monongahela to the banks 
of the Ohio, Kentucky, Salt River, Green River, Great 
Barrens, and Cumberland River, in which stations there were 
savage cruelty and frequent deaths. He had to ride from 
station to station, and from fort to fort, sometimes with and 
at other times without a guard, as the inhabitants at those 



* Minutes, 1805. 



304 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



•places and periods can witness." He left the "West with a 
shattered constitution, in 1793, and travelled the Salem (N. 
J.) Circuit. He still panted, however, for the harder and 
more adventurous labors of the new fields into which Metho- 
dism was bearing its ensign ; we accordingly find him, the 
next year, in New England, travelling New London Circuit, 
as colleague of Enoch Mudge, David Abbott, and Zadok 
Priest. Mr. Mudge says, " Wilson Lee was my senior on 
this Circuit, but owing to ill health was unable to fill all his 
appointments. He was distinguished for shrewdness, piety 
and correctness in his deportment. His penetrating eye saw 
the proper thing to be done, and when and how to do it. His 
administration of discipline, was prompt and proper. His 
zeal was unbounded, and he would not rest while it was pos- 
sible for him to stir. "When unable to be abroad, he would 
have class and prayer meetings at his lodgings. He was truly 
a revival preacher ; his public discourses were full of rich ex- 
perience, wholesome doctrine, pointed remarks, and practical 
theology." 

The following reminiscences of one of Mr. Lee's visits to 
Middle Haddam, Conn., has been communicated to us by a 
veteran Methodist of that State, who has lived through our 
entire history. 

" The first Methodist preacher that I had any knowledge of, was Wil- 
son Lee. He was travelling on what was afterwards called Middle- 
town Circuit, on the west side of the Connecticut River, when Elisha 
Day providentially heard him preach, and being favorably impressed 
with what he had heard, invited him to go over to Middle Pladdam, and 
give the people a sample of Methodist preaching. Mr. Lee accepted 
the invitation, and his appointment was at the first house over the fer- 

" Mr. Lee attended at his appointment, and found a large assembly 
of curious hearers in an old stone house. His first prayer was novel 
in its brevity and fervency, for the people had been habituated to for- 
mal prayers of about forty minutes in length. After prayer, the preach- 
er took from his pocket a little Bible, read his text, and closed the 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 305 



book. The people saw no note-book, and seeing- the preacher fix his 
eyes on the congregation, instead of a book, their curiosity was raised 
to the highest pitch. All were now intent on what would follow. 

The preaching was with the demonstration of the Spirit, and with 
power. The human heart was skilfully dissected, and exposed in the 
light of truth, and the hearers trembled like aspen leaves. The rem- 
edy for sin was presented, in the atonement made for sin on the cross, 
by Jesus Christ, and offered freely to all men, without money and with- 
out price. Partial election and unconditional reprobation, were treat- 
ed unceremoniously, and all were pressed to take the waters of life 
freely. During the discourse, the people trembled and wept ; some 
fell to the floor and cried aloud for mercy, and some fled from the house 
and ran home, declaring that the devil was among the people in the 
stone house. When Mr. Lee saw the effect, he stood and cried, " Glo- 
ry to God ! he has come to New England." This meeting was the be- 
ginning of a gracious work of God in Middle Haddam, in which many 
souls were converted to God, under the ministry of Mr. Lee, who formed 
a class, and made it a Sabbath appointment for New London Circuit. It 
is now a station, with a new, handsome, and convenient chapel. Mr. 
Lee was one of those men who consider the world as their parish, and 
therefore was at war with the monopoly of the clergy of New England, 
and being a man of great faith, threw the shafts of truth successfully 
against whatever obstructed the work of God in the salvation of souls. 

During Mr. Lee's labors in Middle Haddam, he was sick with fever, 
which brought him to the gate of death. It proved a great blessing to 
the class, by exhibiting his faith and patience on the verge of the 
grave, and his ardent prayers for his spiritual children. If it should be 
said that the Rev. Wilson Lee was not one of the " three " mighty men, I 
think none will deny him a place among the " thirty," for he was deeply 
pious, possessed of ardent zeal in the service of his Master, of unwa- 
vering faith, which tendered him a successful minister of the gospel, 
and a useful agent in planting the standard of Methodism in the land 
of the Puritans. Very few now remain of those who knew him as their 
pastor ; in my acquaintance, there are only two aged sisters who 
Avere his spiritual children, and they are about to leave these mortal 
shores, to join him in the paradise of God. When I look back to 
more than half a century, and times and things as they then were, and 
compare those times with the present, I am constrained to say, " What 
hath the Lord wrought ? " Then our Circuits were more than two hun- 
dred miles in circumference, with two preachers, and perhaps one small 
meeting-house ; there are now more than twenty preachers, and as 
many large and convenient chapels, dedicated to the worship of Al- 
mighty God.* 

This flaming herald of the truth was compelled, by his de- 
clining health, to seek a more genial climate. He left, how- 



* Letter of Rev. J. Stocking to the Writer. 

26* 



306 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



ever, a trail of light behind him, in l^ew England. His de- 
parture was attended bj remarkable circumstances, which re- 
sulted in the introduction of Methodism into Southold, Long 
Island, and which are thus recorded hj the historian of Meth- 
odism : 

" In 1794, a Mrs. Moore, who had been converted by the instrumen- 
tality of the Methodists, removed to Southold. Being destitute of a 
spiritual ministry, she united with two other females of a like spirit with 
herself, every Monday evening, in holding a prayer-meeting, in which 
they prayed especially that God would send them a faithful minister. 
Twice they met at the house of a Mr. Vail, Avho, though not a profes- 
sor of religion, Avas willing that the meeting should be held in his 
house, as his Avife was one of the three engaged in this pious work. 
A circumstance occurring one evening which caused them to omit their 
social meeting, each one retired to her own house, determined to pour 
out the desire of their souls to God, that the primary object of their 
prayers, namely, the gift of a faithful preacher, might be granted them. 
During the exercises of the evening, they felt an unusual spirit of 
prayer ; but more particularly Mrs. Moore, who continued in strong 
prayer until near midnight, when she received an assurance that God 
had heard them, by the following word being deeply impressed upon 
her mind : ' I have heard their cry and am come down to deliver 
them ; ' and so strong was the conviction upon her mind that she praised 
God for what she believed he Avould most assuredly do. 

" At this very time, Wilson Lee, one of the early Methodist preach- 
ers, was at New London, Connecticut, and had put his trunk on board 
of a vessel with a view to go to his appointment in New York. Con- 
trary wind prevented his departure. On the same night in Avhich these 
pious females Avere praying in their separate apartments on Long Is- 
land, for God to send them ' a shepherd after his oAvn heart,' this man 
of God, detained by contrary Avinds in Ncav London, felt an unusual 
struggle of mind for the salvation of souls, attended AA^th a vivid and 
poAverful impression that it Avas his duty to cross the Sound and go to 
Long Island. So poAverful, indeed, Avas the impression, that, though 
he tried to resist it, he at length resolved that if a way opened he Avould 
proceed. On going to the Avharf the next morning, he found, to his 
surprise, a sloop ready to sail for Southold, and without further hesi- 
tancy he immediately embarked : and on landing, in answer to his in- 
quiries, Avas conducted to the house of Mrs. Moore. On seeing him 
approach the house, and recognizing him from his appearance for a 
Methodist preaclier, though a total stranger, she ran to the door, and 
saluted him in the following words : ' Thou blessed of the Lord, come 
in ! ' They mutually explained the circumstances above narrated, and 
rejoiced together, ' for the consolation.' A congregation Avas soon col- 
lected, to whom Mr. Lee preached with lively satisfaction. God blessed 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



307 



his labors — a class was formed, and from that period the Methodists 
have continued, with various degrees of prosperity, in Southold, and 
gradually spread through the length and breadth of the island." * 

On his departure from New England, he was appointed to 
New York city, in 17 95 ; the three subsequent years he la- 
bored in Philadelphia. In 1799, he travelled Montgomery, 
Md., Circuit; the next year he was supernumerary on the 
same Circuit, and during the ensuing three, superintended the 
Baltimore District. In 1804, he was returned as superan- 
nuated, and departed to his final rest the 11th of October, the 
same year, in Arundel County, Md. In April 1804, he was 
taken, while engaged in prayer with a sick person, with a 
heavy discharge of blood from his lungs. At his death a 
blood vessel of some magnitude, was supposed to break, so 
that he was in a manner suffocated by his own blood, in a few 
minutes. He possessed the sanctifying, as well as justifying 
grace of God ; he distinguished himself by his administrative 
powers, as a Presiding Elder, as well as his overpowering 
abilities as a preacher, and his personal qualities as a Chris- 
tian. " He was neat in dress," say the old Minutes, af- 
fable in his manners, fervent in his spirit, energetic in his 
ministry, and his discourses were fitted to the character 
of his hearers. His constitution was very slender, but 
zeal for the Lord would urge him on to surprizing con- 
stancy and great labors." f " After full trial he has im- 
mortalized," says the same Record, " his ministerial. Chris- 
tian, and Itinerant character." Jesse Lee says that " he 
professed to be a witness of the perfect love of God, for many 
years before he died. He was a very animating speaker, and 
spared no pains in trying to bring souls to God. In 
private conversation he was cheerful and solemn. He had a 



♦Bangs' Hist, of Meth. Epis. Ch., vol. I., p. 300. f Minutes of 1805. 



308 



MEMOEIALS OF METHODISM. 



good talent in taking care of the churcli of God. A few 
months before he died, when he was so low that he could not 
speak louder than his breath, he said to me with great solem- 
nity, ' I have given up the world ; I have given up the 
church ; I have given up all.' " * 

David Abbott was admitted to the Itinerant ministry in 
1781 and appointed to Kent Circuit, Md. The following two 
years he travelled Sussex, Del., and Fairfax, Va., Circuits. 
In 1784, he located ; but re-entered the travelling ministry in 
1793, and travelled Kent (Md.) Circuit. In 1794, he came 
to New England and labored on New London Circuit. His 
health being feeble, he soon retired, and disappears from the 
Minutes. 

John Crawfoed began his Itinerant ministry on Colman's 
Patent Circuit, N. Y., in the year 1789. The three follow- 
ing years he travelled Columbia, Albany and Cambridge Cir- 
cuits, N. Y. In 1793, he was reappointed to Albany, and the 
next year came to New England, as colleague of David Brum- 
ley, on Pittsfield Circuit. He located in 1795, but re-entered 
the Itinerancy in 1803, and labored on Ulster Circuit, N. Y. 
He subsequently travelled, successively, Albany, Delaware, 
Saratoga, Newburg, Haverstraw, Duchess, Albany, (two 
years,) Chatham, (two years,) Khinebeck and Albany Cir- 
cuits. In 1816, he was returned superannuated in the New 
York Conference, where he still remains, venerable with 
years, services and virtues. 

David Brhmley's name first appears on the Itinerant 
roll in 1794, when he was appointed the colleague of John 
Crawford, on Pittsfield Circuit. The next two years he was 
the colleague, respectively, of John Hill, on Greenwich Cir- 
cuit, R. I., and Joel Ketchum, on Pomfret Circuit, Conn. 
The three following years, he travelled successively, Gran- 



* Hist, of Methodism, p. 307. 



BIOaRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 309 

ville, Needham and New London Circuits. His three next 
appointments were WhittinghaniyYt., Plattsburgh, N. Y., and 
Grand Isle, Yt. Daring the next three years, he was Pre- 
siding Elder on Ashgrove District, N. Y. In 1806, he was 
on Cambridge Circuit, N. Y., and the next year was re- 
turned among the located. He resumed the Itinerant work, 
however, in 1808, and travelled three years more on Fletch- 
er and Brandon Circuits, Yt., when he again located, and 
disappears from the published records of the ministry. 

Nicholas Snethen is a name of considerable note in the 
history of Methodism. He was born on Long Island, N. Y., 
1769. His education was limited to the scanty instruction 
of the country school of the day, a considerable portion of his 
early life being spent on the sea, in charge of his father's ves- 
sels, in the flour trade. His subsequent application to books 
supplied, however, to some extent, the deficiency of his early 
studies. He acquired a competent knowledge of his own 
language and was able to use the Grreek and Hebrew in their 
connection with Biblical exegesis. He was converted to 
God in his twentieth year, and preached his first sermon at 
the age of twenty-one.* 

Mr. Snethen commenced his Itinerant labors in New Eng- 
land, in 1794, in the twenty-fifth year of his age. His first 
appointment was to Fairfield Circuit, as colleague of Zebulon 
Kankey. In 1795, he labored on Tolland Circuit, with 
Christopher Spry. The year following, he travelled the Yer- 
shire Circuit — the first projected in the State of Yermont. 
He has the honor of appearing in the Minutes as the first 
Methodist preacher formally appointed to that State. In 
1797, he was sent to the Portland Circuit, with John 
Finnegan. The next year we miss him from the Minutes, 



* Methodist Protestant, Baltimore, July 12, 1845. 



310 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



owing, probably, to his removal southward. In 1799, he was 
appointed to Charleston, S. C, with John Harper. The follow- 
ing year he was in Baltimore, with Thomas Morrell, Greorge 
Roberts, Philip Bruce, &c. — a phalanx of mighty men. In 
1801-2, he travelled through the land with Asbury. In 
1803, he was again in Baltimore, and the next two years in 
New York city, with Michael Coate, Samuel Merwin, Ezekiel 
Cooper, Freeborn Garrettson and Aaron Hunt. During the 
three ensuing years he was in the local ranks, but re-entered 
the Itinerancy in 1809, and spent two years in Baltimore, as 
colleao;ue of Asa Shin and Robert Burch. The three followino; 
years he labored successively at Georgetown, Alexandria, and 
Frederick. In 1814, he again located, and retired to his es- 
tate in Frederick County, Maryland. 

Amiable, talented and devoted, Mr. Snethen was neverthe- 
less, versatile and restless. He twice retired from the Itine- 
rancy to the local ranks, besides passing through transfer- 
ences from north to south and south to north, remarkable in 
number and extent, even in that day of frequent and long 
transitions. Two years he travelled at large with Asbur}^, 
and his regular appointments ranged from Portland in Maine, 
to Charleston, South Carolina. At one time, he was the 
champion defender of Methodism ; at another, the most stren- 
uous leader of schism. During the revolt of O'Kelly, he 
published an " Answer " to Mr. O'Kelly's " Vindication," 
in which he defended the church, and particularly Bishop 
Asbury, in language the most emphatic ; in 1828, he presided 
at the Convention of Seceders which assembled in Baltimore to 
organize the " Associated Methodist Churches," now known as 
the " Protestant Methodist Church ; " and during eight pre- 
vious years he had been writing with great severity, (but we 
have no doubt, with equal sincerity,) anonymous attacks on 
the church, for whose prosperity he had so arduously labored. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 311 

The movement which resulted in the secession of 1828, 
commenced hj the publication of the " Weslejan Reposito- 
ry " in Trenton, N. J., in 1820, and was continued by the 
violent assaults of the " Mutual Rights," in Baltimore. Mr. 
Snethen was a frequent contributor to these periodicals. He 
subsequently published his articles in a volume, as also anoth- 
er work, in defence of his seceding brethren. He attended 
the Maryland State Convention, in 1827, and prepared the 
memorial to the next General Conference, which called forth 
the celebrated Report of Dr. Emory, on Lay Representation. 
He presided, as we have stated, at the Convention of 1828, 
which formed the Articles of Association for the new church, 
and was afterwards elected President of the Maryland An- 
nual Conference District. In 1829, he emigrated to the 
banks of the Wabash, near Merom, Sullivan County, Indiana. 
Domestic bereavements induced him, subsequently, to remove 
to Louisville, Ky. He finally settled in Cincinnati, where 
he labored assiduously in the duties of the ministry. In May, 
1838, he presided over the Greneral Conference of the Meth- 
odist Protestant Church, assembled at Alexandria, D. C. He 
also took a prominent part in the deliberations of the same 
body, at Pittsburgh, in 1838, and Baltimore, in 1842. 

"The last year or two of his life was spent," says his son, "in 
building up a new school in Iowa city, in the territory of Iowa. They 
called it the Snethen Seminary. He opened it in person, and returned 
to Cincinnati to prepare for it one hundred lectures, which he intend- 
ed to have delivered with his own lips, the ensuing summer. He was 
on his way to Iowa city when he was taken ill at the residence of his 
son-in-law. Dr. Pennington, in Princeton, Indiana ; where, after two 
months of great sufferings, he died on the 30th of May, 1845, magni- 
fying and praising the Lord to the last moment of his life." * 

Mr. Snethen was no ordinary man ; his literary acquire- 
ments were highly respectable ; in the puljiit he was eloquent 

* Extract from a letter in the Methodist Protestant, July 12, 1845. 



312 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



and at times overpowering ; in private life lie was cheerful, 
sociable, and sympathetic — an unwavering friend, and a com- 
plete Christian gentleman. 

There was a pecuHaritj in his mental constitution to which 
must be referred his unfortunate course (as we deem it) in 
respect to the church. 

" His philosophic mind," says one who knew him well, " delighted in 
theory. He theorized on every subject that came under his investiga- 
tion ; and most of his theories were ingenious, plausible and captiva- 
ting, and bespoke a mind of vast compass, great originality, and intense 
application." * 

With such a characteristic propensity, it is no matter of 
surprise that Mr. Snethen finally stumbled at the ecclesiasti- 
cal system of Methodism. The pohty of no other church, if, 
indeed, of any other community of men whatever, is more 
thoroughly practical or less theoretical ; it presents an Eins- 
copaey which is Preshyterian^ a pastorate without settlement, 
a creed almost dangerously liberal, and yet the most vigorous- 
ly applied in the pulpit, to be found among evangelical 
churches f — an economy thoroughly missionary, and yet al- 
most entirely limited to home operations — a system, in fine, 
made up of the most energetic peculiarities and most marked 
contrasts — its contrasts being, however, but salutary counter- 
parts. No system confers higher powers on its ministry, and 
yet none places its ministry in more utter subjection to popular 
control. No ecclesiastical officers, out of the papal hierarchy, 
have stronger executive functions than its bishops, and yet 
none have severer checks and restrictions. ij: It pretends to 
no theoretical foundation and no divine right, but is a result 

* Rev. J, R. Williams, in Metli. Prot., Baltimore, July 12, 1845. 

tNo church preaches more staunchly against Calvinism, Universalism, &c., and yet the 
opposite doctrines are no where directly stated in our "Articles of Religion." 
JSee "Tracts for the Times," No. 11. % Binney & Otheman, Boston. 



BIOaHAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



313 



of Providential circumstances, and having operated more suc- 
cessfully than any other, and with as few, if not fewer abuses 
than any other, the practical good sense of its people have 
repelled all important innovations, convinced that it cannot be 
materially improved, and may be materially injured. They 
have agreed with a distinguished statesman, who, when ques- 
tioned respecting the propriety of attempts at its improve- 
ment, said, " It is a noble machine, it works well — let it 
alone." * 

Methodism includes, practically, as much popular control 
as the genius of our civil system would justify, but, like all 
other ecclesiastical organizations of the land, it has deemed 
it unnecessary to conform the outlines of its government to 
the mere formularies of our civil system. To do so would re- 
quire a transformation of nearly every technical detail of its 
economy, and such a general change of its established pro- 
cesses could not be effected but at the imminent risk of serious 
evils. Mr. Snethen and his associates attempted such a rev- 
olution, with what success we need not here say. However 
sincere his purpose, sad and affecting is the spectacle of a 
veteran evangelist — the associate of Lee in New England, 
the friend and travelhng companion of Asbury, the able de- 
fender of the church against schism, the Itinerant who had 
travelled, suffered and labored, through most of the land, 
to lay the foundations and rear the walls of the church — 
sad and affecting the spectacle of such a one turning 
from it, and from the thinned ranks of his old fellow-labor- 
ers, to head a revolt which was to spread discord and rancor 
through the goodly brotherhood ! Sad to see a man so 
good and so great, after a useful ministry of thirty years 
or more, spend the remaining years of his weary and de- 
clining life amidst the anxieties and reactions of an impracti- 

* Ex-President Van Buren — Zion's Herald, March 17, 1847. 

27 



314 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



cable experiment, and in conflict with the sympathies and pre- 
cious memories of his eariier and better years ! He mingles 
again, we doubt not, with his old Itinerant associates, in that 
blessed land where good men no longer " see through a glass 
darkly, but know even as also they are known," and where 
the best of them will discern errors enough in their past ex- 
istence, to justify mutual sympathy and forgiveness. 

Let us again turn our attention to the one whose noble fig- 
ure, tallest among the giants of those days, is ever and anon 
reappearing on the scene before us, and who equalling, if not 
transcending any of them in labors and trials, was yet stead- 
fast to the end. 



CHAPTER XIX. 



LEE AND ASBURY ITINERATING. 

Lee at Coventry — Tolland — New London — Interview with Mudge and Stoneman at 
Norwich — Treatment in Rhode Island — General Lippett — Warren — Portsmouth 

— Attacks Calvinism at Waltham — duarterly Meeting at Weston — Goes to Maine 

— First Society — First Methodist — Second Society — Chapel at Readfield — Press- 
es forward — Incidents by the way — Tour in Rhode Island and Massachusetts — Re- 
visits Maine — Asbury — Results of the Year. 

We left Lee in the pulpit at Enfield, on the evening of the 
day which closed the Wilbraham Conference. His appoint- 
ment for the ensuing year was to the office of Presiding El- 
der ; his District comprehended, nominally, Massachusetts, 
New Plampshire and Maine, but virtually, the whole Methodist 
interest in New England. A year of extraordinary travels 
and gigantic labors was before him, but influenced by a zeal as 
steady as it was vivid, he went forth upon it like the sun shining 
in his strength. He passed in a rapid flight, and with unre- 
mitting labors, through Connecticut, Rhode Island, Eastern 
Massachusetts, and far into the interior of Maine, amidst 
snow-drifts and wintry storms ; back again through Massa- 
chusetts, Rhode Island, and the Islands of Nantucket and Mar- 

315 



316 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



tha's Vineyard, and again through Massachusetts and Maine 
into the British Provinces, and back yet again to the interior 
of Connecticut. Apostolic man ! whom Paul might have 
welcomed as a befitting fellow-laborer in overturning the 
universal strength of ancient heathenism. 

On leaving Enfield, Wednesday 10th of September, he rode 
to Coventry, Conn., where he preached to a deeply affected 
and weeping audience. " The Lord," he remarks, has 
dealt kindly with this people, and a great many have been 
awakened and converted." The next day he was at Tolland, 
where the feeble Methodist society, though still affected by 
the agitations of their opponents, had, nevertheless courage- 
ously reared an unfinished temple. He ascended its pulpit, 
and boldly defended the new movement from a very appro- 
priate text in Luke's description of the persecutors at Thes- 
salonica. Acts 17 : 6, " WJien they found them not they 
drew Jason and certain heathen u7ito the rulers of the city, 
crying, these that have turned the world topside down, are come 
hither also.^^ The following day he was preaching in the 
court-house at Windham, and the day after, arrived in New 
London, " and put up," he says, " with Brother Douglass. I 
found my mind a good deal engaged with God, and felt a 
longing desire to be more than ever given up to him." 

He tarried over the Sabbath, and preached twice in the 
city, rejoicing at the prosperity of the society which had re- 
ceived, during a recent revival, more than fifty new converts 
to its communion. The next day he was again on his way. 
He paused at Norwich Landing, where he was cheered by 
the arrival of a new fellow-laborer, Jesse Stoneman, who had 
come from Western Virginia to join the pioneers of Meth- 
odism in New England. The youthful Enoch Mudge was 
also present to share the pleasure of the interview. They 
spent the day in conversation and devotions, and at night 



LEE AND ASBURT ITINERATING. 317 



Lee preached with great effect in a private house, to a large 
assembly. The power of God was manifest in their midst, 
and the word sped its way like hghtning. " Glorj be to 
God," exclaims the great Itinerant, " glory be to God for- 
ever. My soul was lost in wonder, love, and praise. — 
Brother Mudge exhorted, with a good degree of life and free- 
dom ; and the people seemed, by their looks, as if they were 
willing to receive the truth, and turn to God." 

His course was still onward. The following day he passed 
rapidly to Coventry, E-. I., where he met with one of those 
chilling receptions, w^hich were among the most frequent and 
most discouraging trials of the first Methodist ministry in 
New England. He says : 

" I rode to Coventry, in Rhode Island, and being directed to call up- 
on Colonel B., I rode up to his door about sunset — spoke with him, 
and asked him if he had not entertained the Methodist preachers 
sometimes. To which he replied, 'I have, sometimes.' ' Would you,' 
said I, 'be willing to entertain another?' He said, 'I would full as 
leave, if it would suit them as well, that they would go along.' Well, then, 
I told him I would go along. So I rode on, and got into a blind path by 
dark, and then, for the greater part of the Avay I could not see the path 
at all, and very often I could not see my horse's head. However, I ar- 
rived at General Lippett's, in Cranston, a little after they had got to 
bed, which was about ten o'clock. I missed my way a little, once. I 
had to depend upon God for protection, and to put a little trust in my 
horse, for he had been once that way before. Thank the Lord for all 
favors. The next day I tarried at friend Lippett's, and spent my time 
chiefly in the house, reading and writing. The General's wife and 
daughter professed to have been awakened by a sermon which I 
preached at their house. I felt my soul much humbled while I was 
talking to them on the subject. The next day I rode to Greenwich, 
and was assisted in preaching to a good company of hearers, on L John, 
3: 38. The Methodists have been laboring here some time, but have 
very few in society. I lodged at the widow Mumford's." 

General Lippett's lady and daughter, both, were after- 
wards made partakers of the grace of God. The General 
himself soon shared with them the same blessing, and his 
house, like those of Sandford, in Redding, Bemis, in Waltham, 
27 * 



318 MEMOKIALS OF METHODISM. 

and many others, became a bountiful retreat for the Itine- 
rant evangelists of the time. He was a man of wealth, and 
most liberal hospitality ; fifteen spare beds were kept in liis 
spacious mansion, capable of accommodating thirty visitors, 
and often on quarterly-meeting occasions, fifty at least, found 
entertainment under his roof. He became a leader, stew- 
ard and trustee, of the church, and built for it a chapel, on 
his own estate. The edifice still stands, though the birth and 
growth of many neighboring manufacturing towns have di- 
verted away the population, and scattered the ancient socie- 
ty of Cranston into more recent, but more vigorous churches 
around. 

On the 20th, Lee reached Warren, and found a cordial re- 
ception under the hospitable roof of Mr. Martin Luther. The 
next day was the Sabbath ; he preached twice at Warren, 
and in the evening at Bristol. In the former village, he re- 
joiced to find a considerable society formed, a chapel raised, 
and " the top of it covered," — the first Methodist meeting- 
house, as we have seen, erected in the State of Rhode Island. 
He " found much of the divine presence " at Warren, and 
at Bristol " it was a good time to my soul," he says, " and a 
solemn time among the hearers. I felt willing to spend my 
life and my all for God, and for the good of precious souls." 

On Monday he crossed the ferry to Portsmouth, and had 
"a most precious season in delivering his message," and at 
night met, with much pleasure, the httle class " which had 
been recently formed. On Wednesday, 24th, he dedicated 
the new church at Warren, and in a week after was again at his 
favorite resort, Lynn, where he spent two weeks, laboring day 
and night. On Monday, 13th October, he departed for 
Waltham Plains, where he preached to a crowded assembly 
in the school-house, from Isaiah 27 : 11. His discom*se was 
a blast against the moral stupidity of the dominant church, 



LEE AND ASBURY ITINEBATING. 319 



and tlie deadening influence of its theology. His text ad- 
mitted of the full use of his peculiar powers. The gauntlet 
had been unceremoniously thrown down by the established 
clergy; they had arrayed themselves on all sides for the 
annihilation of the new comers. The latter, imbued with the 
liberal sentiments which prevailed in the section of the coun- 
try from which most of them had come, spurned all restrictions 
on the rights of conscience and the rights of evangelical labor. 
They bore patiently the first hostilities, but at last boldly 
vindicated their doctrines, and returned the assault of their 
opponents with discommiting force and success. They attack- 
ed, unsparingly, the prevalent creed, until their assailants, 
generally, ceased the controversy, and the Genevan dogmas 
began to sink into that dormancy which now paralyses their 
influence throughout New England. But such discussions, 
however justifiable and needed, were but occasional with Lee. 
He had a nobler work, in the prosecution of which he still 
pressed forward. The day after his sermon at Waltham, he 
preached at Weston, before a quarterly meeting. Quar^ 
terly Conferences had already assumed in New England the 
importance and attraction which distinguished them else- 
where in the infancy of Methodism. The Presiding Elder's 
presence was more imposing than could be that of a whole 
bench of Bishops now-a-days. The vast extent of the Cir- 
cuits rendered necessary a host of official members, — Lead- 
ers, Stewards, Trustees, Exhorters and Local Preachers — 
all, or most of whom, were brought together on these occa- 
sions. The two preachers of the Circuit — seldom meeting 
at other times — now spent a couple of days in mutual con- 
sultations and united labors, and the preachers of adjacent 
Circuits frequently crossed the lines and shared in the joys 
of the festival. The people flocked to it from places twenty, 
thirty, and even fifty miles distant. The village where it 



320 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

held its session was usually thronged mth the multitude and 
their horses and carriages, and the principal families of the 
church, after days of preparation, threw open their doors 
and gladly welcomed their brethren. Saturday was spent in 
preaching and the usual ecclesiastical business, the intervals 
being well employed, in prayer-meetings and religious devo- 
tions, at the places of entertainment. Sunday was usually 
a great day — a love-feast was held early in the morning ; 
preaching, the Lord's Supper, and prayer-meetings occupy- 
ing the rest of the time. The scattered and feeble 
bands of Methodism, brought thus together, felt a conscious- 
ness of strength, expectation was alive, and faith gave energy 
to all the services ; the preaching was distinguished for its 
power and effect ; souls were often awakened and converted, 
and a rekindled zeal was carried back by the numerous visitors 
to their respective societies, spreading, not unfrequently, like 
a purifying fire, over the whole Circuit. 

At the quarterly meeting at Weston, Lee preached on 
Phil. 3 : 16. It was " a precious season and a melting 
time." Thos. Coope and A. Gr. Thompson were present ; 
the former preached and the latter exhorted in the afternoon. 
Lee administered the Lord's Supper to the multitude, 
many of whom " were bathed in tears." 

Though winter was approaching, and the Province of 
Maine was yet a " howling wilderness," he began to plan 
another incursion into it. After laboring about three weeks 
in the societies of Lynn and its vicinity, he set out, on the 
3d of November, and reached Newburyport by night. On 
Friday the 7th, he was at Portland, and in the evening 
preached in the court-house on 1. Tim. 5 : 22, to a large and 
attentive throng. He found a home in the house of an hos- 
pitable Quaker, " friend Cobb," who, he says, " was quite 
reconciled to prayers morning and evening." He left Port 



LEE AND ASBURY ITINERATING. 321 



land, not doubting but wbat tbe Lord would yet favor this 
people." 

" Sunday, 9th," he says : "at Mr. Randall's, in Gray, I preached 
on Lam. 3: 2.2. I had liberty in preaching-, and the people paid 
great attention. At 1 o'clock in the afternoon, I preached again, on 
Luke II: 9. The words seemed to pierce the hearts of some of the 
hearers. They are seldom favored with preaching-. Then I rode to 
New Gloucester, and preached at 4 o'clock. The people were not 
much moved by the sermon. 

" Wednesday, 12th. At Mr. Sprague's, in Green, I preached at 2 
o'clock ; my text was, Phil. 2:15. I had a small congregation, and 
but little life in speaking. I believe the text did not suit the state of 
the people, being mostly unacquainted with the power of religion. I 
then rode to Esq. Dearborn's, in Monmouth, and stayed all night. Was 
greatly delighted in hearing of many precious souls that had been 
awakened, and several that had been converted in the town, within a 
short time past. Surely, the Lord is saying to the North, give up. 
Amen, even so : come Lord Jesus." 

Philip Wager was sent this year, as we have seen, to 
Maine — the first Methodist preacher appointed exclusively 
to that section of New England. Lee's delight at the good 
indications in Monmouth was enhanced by the arrival of Mr. 
Wager, who brought him the cheering news of similar mani- 
festations of the Spirit in other parts of the country. After 
conversing and rejoicing over the prospects before them, they 
went forth to a neighboring town, where Lee preached and 
Wager exhorted, " with freedom," to a company of hearers 
who expected them ; " the Lord," says the former, " moved up- 
on the hearts of many." His joy was still more enhanced in 
meeting, after the sermon, the first 3fethodist Class formed 
in Maine, and hearing, " from the peoples' own mouths, what 
the Lord had done for their souls." This little band com- 
prised fifteen members. It was organized " about the first 
of November, 1794." * The first lay Methodist in Maine 
was Daniel Smith, afterwards a local preacher. He died in 



* Lee's Hist, of Meth., Anno 1794. 



322 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISI^I. 



peace, Oct. 10, 1846. Of his ten cliildren, one is in heaven 
and nine on the way. Lee left the new society, praying that 
it might be as the little cloud, which at first was like a man's 
hand, but soon covered the heavens. They have grown, 
by our day, to more than 20,000 members, and nearly 300 
preachers. His prayer is still prevailing. 

On Saturday, 15th, he reached Readfield, whither he was 
attracted by the recollections of his former cordial reception. 
Good news awaited him in that then remote wilderness ; he 
found there the second Methodist society of Maine, re- 
cently formed — a people panting for the word of life and 
hanging on his ministrations with sobs and ejaculations : and 
the shell of the first Methodist chapel of Maine already 
reared. The class consisted of seventeen members. 
" Surely," he exclaims, " the Lord is about to do great things 
for the people. Even so ; amen, and amen." He says : 

" I tarried in town all day, and went to look at our meeting-house. 
It is almost covered in. Through my influence, the people began this 
house last summer, and it is now nearly ready to preach in. It is the 
first Methodist meeting-house ever built in the Province of Maine. I 
expect we shall see Methodism greatly spreading in these parts before 
long. Here Antinomianism has much prevailed for a few years, amongst 
the Baptists. Their minister, Isaac Case, a good old man, often says 
of his followers, that they are case hardened. They are greatly afraid 
the Methodists will do much harm." 

Early on Wednesday, 26th, he was again pressing forward, 
on his way to Sandy River, on a lonely road, and through 
intense cold. In a part of his route he passed over seven or 
eight miles without seeing a single habitation. He remarks : 

" It appeared as if my feet Avould freeze ; but I drew one of my mit- 
tens over the toe of my shoe, and made out to keep it from freezing. 
When I got to Farmington, I found no appointment had been made for 
me to preach. Here I took dinner, and spent a little time with the 
people; then rode up to Reed's, in Middletown, It was dark, and I 
felt so chilled that I shook as though I had an ague. My cheeks, and 
the under part of my chin, were so pinched by the cold, that they felt 



LEE AND ASBURY I T I N E E, A T I N G . 



323 



quite sore for a week ; and what made the matter still worse, was the 
exceeding roughness of the road, which made the journey unpleasant ; 
however, I met with a kind reception at night, and was greatly delight- 
ed at hearing of the work of God upon the river, and of souls being 
brought to know God, since I was here before." 

Such trials only inspirited this apostolic Itinerant. With 
a heart exulting in God, and flaming with zeal, he proclaimed 
the word of life the next morning to the assembled neighbors. 
" It was a dehghtful season ; my heart was humbled within 
me before God, and the people were melted into tears. I 
could not repent coming to this place, though I came through 
great tribulation." The same day he was again away, for 
Farmington, where he preached in the afternoon. " On my 
way," he says, " I overtook a company of women who had 
been at meeting ; one among them was praising God for his 
goodness, and those in company were weeping. When I 
came up, the one who was praising God took me by the hand, 
and told me how good the Lord had been to her. My soul 
was transported with the pleasing sound ; but how unfashion- 
able it is to hear people praise God along the road ! I came 
to Mr. Bradford's, in Farmington, and at 3 o'clock, I preach- 
ed on John 4: 14. Here the Lord was pleased to visit us 
again with his blessed presence. Tears flowed from many 
eyes, and it seemed to be a time of love. Several persons 
in this neighborhood have been lately brought to the know- 
ledge of God. The righteous are becoming as bold as 
lions." 

December, with its hyperborean storms, had come upon the 
bold evangelist, in what was then the heart of the wilderness 
Province, but he still pressed forward. He remarks : 

" Monday, 1st, it snowed all day. A man went with me on a new 
tour, where the Methodists had never been before, excepting one place. 
We rode through the snow to the Vineyard, and stopped at Deacon 
Norton's ; but his wife being sick, we could not stay there, as they had 
a large family, and but one room that was fit to lodge in. However, 



S24 



MEMOEIALS OF METHODISM. 



v/e obtained something' to eat, and prayed with them, and a little after 
dark, went to Daniel Luce's, and stayed all night ; the next day preach- 
ed at Luce's. The people heard the word "with attention, and with 
tears in their eyes. It is very seldom they have an opportunity of 
hearing- a sermon. After meeting we travelled a very bad road to 
Capt Dagget's, in the east part of the town. I was kindly entertained, 
and slept comfortably." 

By "Wednesday, 3d, he readied, through the woods, the 
junction of Sandy River and the Kennebec. On a part of 
the way there were no traces of a path ; his guide had to fol- 
low the " chops " on the trees ; the snow was nearly a foot 
deep, and the travelling most difficult. About noon the weary 
sojourners descried a house in the forest, the first one on 
their route. Even here the ambassador of Christ could not 
omit his message. He entered the habitation, and warned 
its occupants to flee from the wrath to come. The woman of 
the house had not heard a sermon within two years, and her 
husband had heard but one or two in that time, by travelling 
a great distance. They listened with solemnity to his ex- 
hortations. He reached a hospitable house by night, weary 
and cold, but had the neighbors assembled, and prea^ched to 
them the same evening. " I found comfoi-t," he says, in 
delivering to this people a message from the Lord ; and they 
received it with great attention, and appeared very thankful 
for this opportunity. They never heard a Methodist before." 

The next day he " rode up the Kennebec, to Mr. James 
J3urn's, at Zitcombtown, a httle below Seven Miles Brook," 
where he proclaimed at night, that " God sent his only begot- 
ten Son into the world that we might five through him," — 
I. John 4 : 9. 

" They were all attention," he says, " and some of them much wrought 
upon, so that thev could not forbear weeping. I felt a hope that the 
word was profitable to the souls of the people. They importuned me to 
come amongst them again, or try and send one to preach to them, for they 
seldom hear a sermon of any kind. My heart was moved with com- 



LEE AND A S B U R Y ITINERATING. 325 



passion for the people. There never was a Methodist preacher in 
these parts before. Lord send forth more laborers into thy vineyard, 
and into this part of the world." 

There were sparse settlements scattered about thirty miles 
higher up the river, but his time was limited ; the next day he 
turned his face towards the South, preached on his way, and 
recrossed Sandy River on the ice. 

" Monday, 8th. I rode to Mr. J. Cochran's, in Goshen, and at 2 
o'clock, I preached on Ephes. 2 : 20. I found a good deal of freedom 
in preaching- ; some of them were much wrought upon, and could not 
refrain from tears. I baptized three children, and the parents appear- 
ed to be very solemn while I was speaking. There is great attention 
paid to religion in this place at present. I hope several persons are 
determined to seek and serve the Lord." 

By the 12th he was again in E,eadfield. It was a fast 
day in the infant society, in preparation for what was to be a 
great occasion among them on the approaching Sabbath — 
the first consecration of the Lord's Sapper hj the Methodists 
of Maine. He preached to them from the words, " We then 
as co-iuorkers together luitli Grod^^ 

"I found much of the presence of God with us while we were to- 
gether. There was a considerable move amongst the people. I then 
met the class, and consulted about administering the Lord's Supper. 
One of our friends gave us an agreeable account of a gracious work 
of God amongst the people at Sandy River. Lord increase it abund- 
antly. Tarried all night at the widow Johnson's. Several persons 
were present who wished to know what they should do to be saved. 

" Sunday, 14th. I preached in Readfield and administered the Lord's 
Supper to about eight persons. This was the first time that this ordi- 
nance had ever been administered in this town by the Methodists, or 
in any part of this Province. We had a happy time together. 

"Tuesday, 16th. Setting out with Samuel Dudley, we rode to the 
Hook and crossed Keimebec River,though it appeared to be very danger- 
ous, for the ice would often bend under the horses ; when on the other 
side it broke in ten or fifteen feet from the shore, but they came out 
safe, and we went to another place, and walked to the shore. I theii 
went on to John Plummer's, in New Milford, and was kindly entertain- 
ed. The day following I preached at Plummer's, in New-Milford ; 

28 



326 



MEMOEIALS OF METHODISM. 



some wept freely. After meeting I had some pressing invitations to 
come again. 

On Tuesday, the 23d, he preached at Littleborough, to a 
crowded coDgregation, which melted under the presence of 
God. " Many of the people," he remarks, " could hardly 
refrain from weeping aloud." Kemarkable news occm-red 
here. After he had dismissed the assembly and retired into 
another room, 

" A man," he says, "came in to speak to me, and burst into tears. 
Another came in with tears in his eyes, and begged that I would 
preach again at night. I could not refuse. Some of the people then 
went home, but soon returned. One man being in deep distress, be- 
gan to cry aloud to God to have mercy upon his poor soul ; and thus 
he continued to cry with all his might, until some of the people were 
much frightened. I talked, prayed, and sung, and while I was sing- 
ing a visible alteration took place in his countenance, and I was inclin- 
ed to think his soul was set at liberty. He afterwards spoke as though 
he believed it was so." 

Eut scarcely had this penitent found comfort, wiien anoth- 
er " was seized with trembling, and began to pray the Lord 
to have mercy upon his poor soul, and cried aloud for some 
time." These strange scenes excited much interest among 
the spectators. Lee immediately opened his Bible and began 
to address them with his touching pathos, from I. Peter 5 ; 7 ; 
" Casting all your careupon him, for he carethfor you ; " but 
soon another man was seized with a violent trembling, and 
cried aloud. There was weeping through the whole assem- 
bly. The preacher's voice was drowned ; he was compelled 
to stop. He knelt down and prayed for the awakened man, 
and when quiet was restored he resumed his discourse, amidst 
the sobbings of the congregation. " It appeared," he re- 
marks, " as if the w^hole neighborhood was about to turn to 
God. I hope the fruit of this meeting will be seen after 
many days, and that the work of the Lord will revive from 
this time." 



LEE AND ASBUKT ITINERATING. 327 



Thursday, 25th, he preached a Christmas sermon, at 
Monmouth, on Isaiah 4 : 6. 

" We had," he says, " a remarkably large congregation, and a very 
remarkable season. The people seemed to swallow every word. To- 
ward the end of the meeting, the power of God was mightily display- 
ed ; there were but few dry eyes in the house. I wept over my congre- 
gation, and had to stop for a season. I begged the poor sinners to be 
reconciled to God, till I was persuaded that some of them would obey 
the truth. P. Wager exhorted, with a good deal of life. We then 
administered the Lord's Supper to several persons. This is the first 
time the Methodists ever communed in this town. Then I gave the 
friends somo advice about building a meeting-house in this place." 

On Tuesday, the 30th, he set out on his journey westward ; 
by the 1st Jan. 1795, he reached Portsmouth, N. H., where 
he preached to four neighbors of his host. Thence he pass- 
ed to Lynn. He had spent about two months in Maine, dur- 
ing which, undaunted by the driving storms of the north, he 
had penetrated on horseback to the frontier settlements, 
preaching the word, and encouraging those incipient societies 
of Methodism, lyhich could then claim but one sanctuary in 
the Province, and that scarcely more substantial than a barn, 
but have since multiplied themselves throughout the State, 
and dotted its surface with temples. 

After laboring two or three weeks in Lynn and its vicini- 
ty, he sallied forth again, though amidst the blasts of mid- 
winter, on an excursion to Rhode Island, and the south-east- 
ern parts of Massachusetts. We give the following notes of 
this tour. 

" Sunday, 25th. Bristol court-house, at half after 10 o'clock, I 
preached on Isa. 53 : 1. I had but a small congregation, but I found 
some freedom in speaking. At 2 o'clock I preached again to a crowd- 
ed house, and had a solemn meeting. I spoke with faith and delight ; 
and the people were all attention. I felt a pleasing hope that good 
was done in the name of the Lord .Tesus. I then crossed the ferry to 
Portsmouth. At night, at Mr. Earl's, I preached on Matt. 11: 30. I 
had a crowded house ; and I was much assisted in speaking. The 
people were attentive, and some of them deeply affected. I was ready 



328 



MEMORIALS OP METHODISM. 



to conclude that the Lord was about to revive his work in this place. 
The people are teachable, and glad to hear of the way to heaven. 

" Wednesday, 28th. I rode to the north end of the Island and cross- 
ed the ferry to Tiverton, and preached at Mr. Benjamin HoAvling's. I 
had a large congregation. It was a place where the Methodists never 
preached before. I found my soul at liberty, and spoke to the people 
with a great deal of freedom ; some of my hearers were cut to the 
heart, and wept much. 

" Friday, 30th. I rode to New-Bedford, and put up at Mr. George 
East's. I gave them a sermon at night, on Rom, 13 : 10. The people 
were quite solemn. It may be remarked that this was the first Metho- 
dist sermon ever preached in this town. 

"Tuesday, 3d of February. I sailed in the packet for Nantucket 
Island, but having a rough, disagreeable passage, and being very sick 
withal, I prevailed with them to land me on the Vineyard. I shook as 
though I had an ague, being cold and sick. I then walked to Mr. J. 
Dagget's tavern, at the head of the harbor at Holme's-Hole. I was 
kindly received, and gladly entertained. The next day I gave them a 
sermon in the meeting-house ; we had a small congregation, and not 
much life. At night I preached again with more freedom and faith 
than in the morning, and the word seemed to make some impression 
on the minds of the hearers ; perhaps I am the first Methodist preacher 
who has visited this place for the express purpose of preaching, and 
even now, I have visited the place sooner than I intended, for 1 expect- 
ed to have called here on my way from Nantucket. 

" Friday, 6th. I preached at Shubal Davies' in Edgarton. I had a 
refreshing season, and spoke with faith. 

" The next day I borrowed a horse, and went to see old Mr. Zache- 
us Mayhew, who is a missionary to the Indians on the Island. I met 
him on the road. He went back with me to Mr. Morse's, the minister 
of Tisbury, who lives in a place called Newtown. We tarried till af- 
ter dinner ; and then rode to the widow Norton's. Mr. Mayhew went 
with me. We concluded to go down and spend the Sabbath with his 
congregation of Indians. The old missionary is about seventy-seven 
years of age, and seems to be acquainted with the love of God. I ask- 
ed him particularly about his conversion, and was pleased with the 
relation he gave. 

" Thursday, 12th. A small schooner being ready to sail, I embark- 
ed, with three sailors as passengers, beside the two men who belonged 
to the vessel. At 9 o'clock we sailed for New Bedford ; but having to 
beat out of the harbor, and the wind dying away, we were not able to 
get through Wood's-Hole; so Ave put into the wharf just by Wood's- 
Hole, and went up to Mr. Parker's tavern, in the town of Falmouth, 
and county of Barnstable. I concluded it was all for the best, and 
feeling quite resigned to my lot, I determined to try and do something 
for God. I spoke to the tavern keeper about a meeting ; he was quite 
willing to have a meeting at his house, so that people were requested 
to meet at night. My text was Rom. 10 : 4. I found liberty in speak- 
ing. Here I am detained, but I hope it may be for the good of some 



LEE AND ASBURY ITINERATING. 329 



poor soul. I was kindly entertained gratis. The Lord reward the 
family according to their good works. 

" Friday, 13th, was quite stormy in the morning, and some of the 
company seemed unwilling to go. I thought it best to try it ; so we set 
sail about 9 o'clock, with the wind ahead, blowing very hard, and the 
snow falling very fast. We beat through Wood's-Hole, a very danger- 
ous place for vessels to pass through ; and after tacking backwards 
and forwards for about two hours, I was dreadfully sick ; however, af- 
ter much ditRculty, we landed at New-Bedford a little after dark. I 
felt thankful for a safe arrival at the long wished for place. I lodged 
with Mr. East. 

" Monday, 16th. I preached at Stoke's, at 1 o'clock, on I. Pet. 3 : 9. 

Though we had a small company, it was a melting season. Brother 
N. Chapin closed the meeting by prayer. We then consulted about 
building a meeting-house, and determined to begin to build it in the 
lower part of Easton, near Bridgewater, as soon as possible. The 
people seemed to be in good spirits about it, though they are but poor. 
At night, I preached at old Mr. Churchill's, in Bridgewater. I believe 
our meeting was not in vain. Brother N. Chapin told me this evening 
that by hearing me preach, the first Methodist he ever heard, he was 
reclaimed from a backslidden state ; and so brought to preach the gos- 
pel. While he was relating this to me, I felt both humble and happy ; 
and was brought to say, O, that it was Avith me as in days past, when 
the Lord owned my lal)ors in the conversion of many. But if there 
were not another soul brought to know God, by my ministry, I should 
Btill have cause to bless him that ever I preached the gospel." 

His biographer omits his notes of the remainder of this 
tour. The J were verj copious, but are unfortunately lost 
forever.* We learn, however, from his Memoir, that he con- 
tinued sometime his travels in Ehode Island and the adja- 
cent parts of Massachusetts. ' 

" From Greenwich, he went through the deep snow to Hardwick, 
from thence to Braintree ; the travelling was so intolerable, that he 
concluded to stop a day or two, and preach to small and careless con- 
gregations. With much ditHculty, he reached Worcester, the snow 
being deep and the way untrodden ; he thence passed to Milford, Mans- 
field, and to Norton. At the latter place, he met the preachers of the 
Circuit, and held a quarterly meeting. Easton was the next stand, 
where good prospects of a revival of religion cheered him exceeding- 
ly ; then he hasted to Boston, where religious affairs remained unim- 
proved ; but the quarterly meeting at that place> was held in peace. 



* Lee's unpublished MSS. were consumed by the burning of the Methodist Book Rooms, 
1836. 

28* 



330 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



He then proceeded to Lynn, as the next place in course. He found 
an evident declension of religious fervor in Lynn." 

It was now the most inclement period of the year in New 
England, and especially unfavorable for travelling ; yet he 
longed again to plunge into the wintry wilderness of Maine, 
and to bear the Gross onward to distances far beyond his 
former tours. After attending the Quarterly Meeting, at 
Marblehead, and putting affairs in order at Lynn, he mount- 
ed his horse, the faithful companion of his toils, and com- 
menced his journey. 

He passed through Salisbury, Portsmouth, crossed Piscataway into 
the Province of Maine, and then advanced on through Kennebec to 
Major Ilsley's, at Back Cove, in Falmouth ; from thence to Portland, 
Monmouth, Readfield, the Twenty-five mile Pond ; this, -with most of 
the forementioned places, he had visited about eighteen months previ- 
ously ; during which time there had been a gracious revival of relig- 
ion ; but some religious quarrels had damped the rising flame. Leav- 
ing the Twenty -five mile Pond, he had very bad roads to Hampden ; 
twice in one day his horse fell into the deep mud, and he but narrowly 
escaped with M'hole bones. From thence he came to Bangor, where 
he found it necessary to cross the Penobscot ; tliere was no ferry-boat 
at hand, but two small boats v/ere procured, and made fast together, 
and his horse was made to stand with his fore feet in one, and his hind 
feet in the other boat, and all were enabled to get over without acci- 
dent. He went on, taking Orrington, Buckstown, Goldsborough, Ep- 
ping, the Falls of Pleasant River, and Machias, in his way. Swimming- 
rivers, passing dangerous fords, encountering hills, rocks, and mire, 
were the occurrences of every day's travel. Coming to Colonel Still- 
man's, Avithin two miles of Machias, he formed a resolution of cross- 
ing the Passamaquoddy, and of visiting the British Provinces. He 
accordingly visited Moose, and Dudley Islands ; and then passed into 
St. Andrew's, in the Province of New-Brunswick. In all these places, 
he found the people destitute of preaching. He then proceeded to 
St. John, and in crossing a part of the Bay of Fundy, the vessel was 
driven against the rocks by the rapid tide, which created some alarm 
on board ; but fortunately, they came off without injury. The next 
day, the captain put into a place called Dipper Harbor, within eight 
leagues of St. John. Here he continued two days, and preached at 
a Mr. French's, who, although the proprietor of three thousand acres 
of land, could not afford a chair for his guests to sit upon. Having a 
favorable wind, they set sail, and soon landed at the town of St. 
John. 

" In this town he spent seven or eight days very agreeably, preaching, 



LEE AND ASBURY ITINERATING. 331 



meeting- classes, holding prayer meetings, and visiting the sick and 
others who needed his company and advice. 

" Saturday, the 16th of May, he took his leave of St. John, and 
sailed for St. Andrew's, at which place he arrived the same day, quite 
sick from his voyage, but was able to preach at night. The next day, 
he embarked for St. Stephen's, in Schoodic River, but being becalmed, 
they were forced to come to anchor, a little below a large hill on the 
American shore, called Devil's Head ; here he went on shore, visited 
a family, and conversed on the subject of religion. In the afternoon 
they weighed anchor again, passed Devil's Head, and proceeded up 
the river a little, and were again becalmed. There was no other alter- 
native but that of casting anchor ; he, however, hailed a row boat that 
was passing, was taken on board, and carried up the river to Duncan 
M'Call's. It was now past II o'clock at night, but the family arose at 
his call, and received him vi^ith open hearts. He found a hearty friend 
in Duncan M'Call, one with whom he had corresponded for several 
years. He had long felt a desire of seeing him, and now his desire 
was realized, and their kindred spirits were more closely united. For 
several days he tarried with his friend M'Call ; and as he was now at 
the dividing line between the United States and the British Provinces, 
he had an opportunity of giving his labors to each for several days. 

"On the 15th of July, Conference for the New England States was 
to be held in New-London ; his friend Mr. M'Call had come to a deter- 
mination to accompany him thither ; so, embarking in a canoe on the 
25th of May, they went down the river, and over to the American 
shores, to Mr, Brewster's, and after spending a little time with the fam- 
ily in prayer, they hastened on to Mr. Voris', in Bobin's-town, where 
ho preached to a thin congregation. They then went to Moose Island, 
where Mr. Lee preached. Leaving Moose Island, they proceeded up 
Crobscook River in the canoe, and passed through the falls, though not 
without danger of being swallowed in the whirling eddies of this dan- 
;j»'erous pass. They, however, arrived safe at Colonel Crew's, at the 
head of the river. Here they left the canoe, and hired a guide, to 
take them through the Avoods to the stage road. Lakes, ponds, and 
dreary swamps, opposed their march ; they sometimes waded, then 
floundered through the mud, then crossed the intervening waters in frail 
bark canoes. At length they took shelter for the night, with Colonel 
Stiliman, after a journey of fifteen miles by water, and eighteen by 
land. Here he met with his horse, and pursued his numerous appoint- 
ments until the setting of Conference." 

We have no further particulars of these labors, except that 
on Tuesday, the 21st of June, he dedicated, inReadfield, the 
first Methodist chapel erected in Maine. 

Such is a glance at the labors of this wonderful man, 
during the ten months -which had elapsed since his departure 
from the Wilbraham Conference. Similar journies and exer- 



332 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

tions, performed Tvith our present conveniences for travel, 
would be considered extraordinary — how much more so were 
they at that day ! How soon would the earth be evangelized 
were the whole Christian ministry of like spirit ! 

Lee has recorded, for the satisfaction of later Methodists, 
the dates of the first sermons by Methodist preachers in sev- 
eral parts of Maine. The first in the Province was at Saco, 
10th Sept., 1793 ; in Portland, 12th ; Hallowell, 13th Oct. ; 
Farmington, 15th ; Readfield, 16th ; Winthrop, 21st ; Mon- 
mouth, 22d ; Livermore, 12th Jan. 1794 : Chesterville, 21st ; 
Yassalborough, 5th March ; Winslow, 9th ; Norridgwock, 
11th Fairfield, 13th. 

"Wliile Lee was approaching the seat of the Conference 
from the North, Asbury was wending his course towards it 
from the South, where he had performed unparalleled jour- 
nies and labors. He left New York city on the 6th of July, 
and entering Connecticut, preached at Stamford in a private 
house. The next day he rode thirty-three miles to Stratford, 
where, though weak and depressed, he preached to a multi- 
tude which crowded the house inside and out. On Friday, 
10th, he reached New Haven. His former Yisit had left a 
favorable impression ; Nothing would do," he remarks, "but 
I must preach in Dr. Edwards meeting-house, which I did 
from these words, Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but 
loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ, my 
Lord." The next day he was at Middletown, and spent a 
portion of the day in visiting from house to house, and in 
conducting a prayer-meeting. Notwithstanding his constant 
public labors, it was his habit frequently to visit the individ- 
ual families of the societies, and these visits were strictly pas- 
toral ; no labor seemed too great nor too small for his tireless 
spirit. The follo^ving day was the Sabbath ; he preached 
three sermons, two at the "The Farms," and one at the 



LEE AND ASBURY ITINERATING. 333 

Court House. On Monday tlie IStli, lie preached with 
^' some Hfe," at Middle-Haddam, and reached New Lon- 
don the next day. The preachers had been arriving, -way- 
worn and dusty, during the day ; but in the evening they gath- 
ered around their great champion, who, ever ready, preached 
to them and to the multitude. 

The year had been a calamitous one for the church gene- 
rally — the Minutes reported an aggregate decrease of 6317. 

Such a loss," says Lee, " we had never known since we 
were a people." * But while the desolating measures of 
0 'Kelly were blighting the former rich growth of the South, 
the New England field was extending on every hand, and 
yielding an abundant increase. Its returns of members 
amounted to 2575, an advance on the preceding year of 
536, or more than one fourth. 

There was apparently a gain of but one Circuit, or Sta- 
tion, eighteen being reported the preceding year, and nine- 
teen the present. One, however, of the former (Vermont) 
was purely nominal ; Joshua Hall, who w^as appointed to it, 
being detained in Massachusetts.! The real gain was at least 
five ; it was larger than in any former year. The remodelling 
of several western Circuits diminished their number, but 
their real extent and importance were proportionably augment- 
ed by the change. Pomfret, in Conn., Provincetowii and 
Marhlehead^ in Mass., Portland and Penohscot, in Maine, 
were the new names reported among the appointments for 
the ensuing year. 

The gains in the membership were chiefly in Maine. A 
sohtary preacher (PhiUp Wager) had been appointed at 
the preceding Conference, to that vast field, but no society 

* Lee's History of Methodism, Anno 1795. 

I Dr. Bangs' statement respectint,' Mr. Hall's labors in Vermont (Hist, of M. E. Church, 
Anno 1794) is inaccurate, as will bo seen in the sketch of Mr. Hall. 



334 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



had then been organized. During the present year, Lee, as 
■we have seen, traversed the Province, braving the storms of 
winter, and proclaiming the word of hfe to its farthest bound- 
ary. Scores, and even hundreds, were awakened and con- 
verted under his faithful labors, and those of his coadju- 
tor. Several societies were organized ; the first Methodist 
chapel in the Province was erected ; the first returns of mem- 
bers were made. Readfield Circuit reported 232 members ; 
Portland, 136; and Passamaquoddy, (on the eastern bounda- 
ry,) 50; an aggregate of 318 — the germ of a wide-spread 
subsequent growth. Methodism had unfurled its banners 
in Maine, never more to strike them till the heavens flee 
away. 



CHAPTER XX. 



NOTICES OF THE CONFERENCE AND 
PREACHERS OF 1795. 

Conference at New London — Incidents of the Session — Appointments — Extent of 
Methodism in New England — Notices of Preachers — Cyrus Stebbins — John Vanne- 
man — John Harper — Elias Hull — Jesse Stoncman — Joseph Mitchel — Nathaniel 
Chapin — Daniel Dennis — Timothy Dewy — Locations — Poverty of the Church. 

The Conference at New London commenced its session on 
Wednesday, the 15th of July, 1795. Nineteen preachers 
were present.* A small number of Methodists had been 
formed into a society in New London about two years, but 
they were yet without a chapel in which to accommodate the 
Conference. It held its sessions in the house of Daniel Bur- 
rows. Though assembled, without ostentation, and without 
a temple, noble men composed that unnoticed body, and sub- 
lime visions of the future rose before their contemplations. 
Asbury looked forth from the private room in which they met, 
with the comprehensive hope that their deliberations would be 
^' for the good of thousands." Some of them were yet to 

* MS. Sermon of Rev. R. W. AUen. Asbury says " about 20 " — Journals, Anno 1793. 

335 



336 



JMEMOKIALS OF METHODISM. 



see their little company grow into a host of more than seven 
hundred strong, and lead on, from conquering to conquer, an 
evangelical army of 75,000 souls. Asbury, Lee, Roberts, 
Priest, Pickering, Mudge, Taylor, Snethen, Smith, Ostran- 
der and McCoombs, were among the rare men who composed 
that unpretending assembly. 

The session continued until Saturday. McC?il, from the 
British' Provinces, and Kingston and Harper, "VYesleyan Mis- 
sionaries from the West Indies, were present. Some polem- 
ical discussions occurred; "especially," says Asbury, "in 
reference to " the ancient contest about Baptism, — these peo- 
ple being originally connected with those who are of that 
line." " 0, what wisdom, meekness, patience and prudence, 
are necessary," adds the sagacious Bishop. " Great peace," 
however, prevailed throughout the deliberations. The breth- 
ren from the West Indies had arrived with prostrate health, 
and exhausted purses. Asbury expresses his pleasiu-e at 
seeing " Our preachers ready to give their strange brethren 
a little of the little they had ; " a practice almost universal 
among Methodist preachers in those days of suffering and 
self-sacrifice. They sat together in heavenly places in Christ 
Jesus, reviewing the successes and trials of the past year, plan- 
ning new and more extended projects of labor for the future, 
uniting in frequent prayer that the word might run and be 
glorified, and preaching it daily to each other and the gath- 
ered multitude in the court-house. Evan Rogers, who had 
been educated a Quaker, and combined much of the gravity 
of his first with the warm energy of his new faith, addressed 
the preachers particularly, and, it is said, very pertinently, on 
defects in their pulpit delivery, which were not uncommon at 
that date. His text, at least, was significant ; it was I. Cor. 
14 : 19: " Yet in the church I had rather speak five tvords 



CONEEBENCE OF 1795. 



33T 



with my understanding^ that hy my voice I might teach others 
also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.^'' * 

Chalmers brought them glad tidings from Rhode Island, 
and reported the erection of the first Methodist chapel of that 
State. f Ostrander brought good news from the Connecticut 
River, the work of God was advancing slowly, but surely, 
along its banks, prejudice was yielding, the hostility of the 
established churches had been defeated in several instances, 
and though the cry was that they were " turning the world 
upside down," yet numerous places in all directions were 
sending to them the Macedonian cry to come over and help 
them, and hundreds were waking from their spiritual slum- 
bers to call upon God and lead a devoted life. Zadok Priest, 
hastening to the grave, and holding his last interview with 
them, had cheering tidings from the large region of the New 
London Circuit. Hill was there from Hew Hampshire, to 
report that innumerable doors were opening in that wilder- 
ness region for the access of the new evangelists — but the la- 
borers were few, and none could yet be spared. Lee, way- 
worn with his vast travels, cheered them with surprising en- 
couragements from Maine — the formation of two new Cir- 
cuits, the organization of the first Methodist Society, and the 
erection of the first Methodist chapel in the Province, to- 
gether with the report of more than three hundred members 
received there since the last session of the Conference. En- 
couraged by their mutual communications, and refreshed from 
the presence of the Lord, they sung a hymn, and bowed to- 
gether in a concluding prayer, at noon, on Saturday ; they 
tarried, however, through the Sabbath, the great day of 
the feast. Early on Monday morning, before the community 
were fairly astir, Asbury was away on his war-horse, and by 

* Letter of Rev. E. Mudge to the Writer. 

jit was usual, at that period, for the preachers to " give a free and full account of 
themselves and their Circuits, at the Conference." Asbury's Journals, Sept. 92, 1795. 

29 



338 



MEMORIALS OF MEinODISM. 



8 o'clock, A. M., was sounding the alarm in Norwich, while 
the preachers were urging their steeds in all directions to the 
conflicts of another year. 

The appointments for New England the present ecclesias- 
tical year, were as follows : Jesse Lee, Elder ; Crreenwich, 
John Hill, Daniel Brumley ; IVarren, Zadok Priest, Cyrus 
Stebbins ; Needliam, John Vanneman ; Boston, John Harper, 
to change in six months ; Lynn, George Pickering, to change 
in six months ; Marhlehead, James Covel ; Provincetown, 
George Cannon ; Readjield, Enoch Mudge, Elias Hull ; 
Penobscot, Joshua Hall ; Portland, Philip Wager ; 
Orange, Thomas Coope ; Tolland, Christopher Spry, 
Nicholas Snethen ; Crranville, Lemuel Smith, Zebulon Kan- 
key ; Litchfield, Jesse Stoneman, J oseph Mitchel ; 3Iiddle- 
town, Evan Rogers, Joel Ketchum ; Pomfret, Daniel Ostran- 
der, Nathaniel Chapin ; Neiv London, Amos G. Thompson, 
Lawrence McCoombs ; Redding, Daniel Dennis, Timothy 
Dewy ; Pittsfield, Robert Green. The last two Circuits 
were under the Presiding Eldership of George Roberts, whose 
District included Long Island, the city of New York, and 
several Circuits west of the Connecticut boundary. Pitts- 
field, we believe, was the only New England Circuit which 
reached into New York, while several of the New York Cir- 
cuits extended across the New England boundary. The 
programme of labor for the year — from July, 1795, to Sep- 
tember, 1796 — included one District and 'part of a second, 
nineteen Circuits and thirty preachers. Add to these about 
2600 members, with some half dozen chapels, and we have 
a general outline of Methodism in New England at this date. 

Hitherto we have given notices, however slight, of all the 
Itinerant preachers who labored in the eastern States during 
the first six years of our history. They now become too nu- 
merous for such detail. Nearly one third of those in the above 



PREACHERS IN 1795. 



339 



list were new laborers in New England. We record wliat in- 
formation we have been able to glean respecting a few of 
them : 

Cyrus Stebbins commenced his Itinerant labors on the 
Warren Circuit, R. I., the present year. The next year he 
was transferred to the distant region of the Kennebec, Me., 
where he travelled the Readfield Circuit, in connection with 
John Broadhead, of beloved memory. Removals, in those 
days, were almost invariably annual, and with little regard 
to distance ; after spending a year in Maine, Mr. Stebbins 
was dispatched to western Massachusetts, where he labored 
on the Pittsfield Circuit. The following year he was stationed 
in New York city with Geo. Roberts and Joshua Wells. In 
1799 he travelled the Brooklyn and Long Island Circuit, and 
in 1800 was stationed in Albany. He continued in the min- 
istry four years more, and labored respectively on Cambridge, 
Albany, (two years,) and Brooklyn Circuits, and in 1805 
withdrew from the church, for reasons which we have not 
been able to ascertain. He was a pungent and powerful 
preacher; some of his discourses are still often recalled, 
in conversation, by our elder members in New Eng- 
land ; one of them, particularly, preached under the trees 
at the homestead of Pickering, on the text, " Those 
mine enemies which would not that I should reign over 
them, bring hither and slay them before me." The whole 
assembly stood appalled at his declaration of the divine 
wrath against all ungodHness, trembling spread throughout 
their midst, and many went home to call upon God, and pre- 
pare for his coming retribution. Had he remained in the Itin- 
erancy, his peculiar talents would have secured him an ex- 
tended influence and usefulness, but on leaving it he entered 
the Protestant Episcopal Church, where he lingered through 
many years of comparative uselessness, and died in obscurity. 



340 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



Elias Hull, was received into the Itinerant ministry the 
present year and appointed to Readfield Circuit, Me. ; the 
following year he travelled the Penobscot Circuit, in that 
State. In 1797 he was removed to Massachusetts and ap- 
pointed to Boston and Needham, with Daniel Ostrander. 
He withdrew from the church in 1798, and subsequently 
became a Congregationalist clergyman, as did also his broth- 
er, Stephen Hull. Like most, however, of those who desert- 
ed the labors of Methodism, in its early days of privation, 
for the easier positions and distinctions of other ministries, 
both of them were frustrated in their hopes, and one was ex- 
pelled from his new communion, on charges of grave dehn- 
quency. 

Joseph Mitchel's first appointment was on Cambridge 
Circuit, N. Y., as colleague of Robert Green, in 1794. The 
next three years he travelled successively Litchfield, (Conn.,) 
Granville, (Mass.,) with Ralph Williston, and Duchess (N. 
Y.) Circuits. In 1798 he was appointed to Vergennes Cir 
cuit, Vermont — an immense sphere of travel and toil, more 
than 500 miles in compass. He was the first preacher regu- 
larly designated to it, and continued there two years, suffer- 
ing the trials incident to a new field of labor, but effectually 
breaking up the ground for his successors. While on this 
Circuit, he received into the church a youth who has since 
risen to the highest function of our ministry — the present 
senior Bishop of the M. E. Church. In 1800 he was re- 
moved to the Pittsfield and Whitingham Circuit, where he 
had the assistance of Michael Coate ; the following year he 
was returned to Pittsfield, but in 1803 we fail to find his 
appointment. He was a man of extraordinary powers, 
though of deficient education — a natural logician, a shrewd 
wit, and a most energetic and overpowering preacher. His 
success was remarkable, and many are the stars which shine in 



PREACHERS IN 1795. 



341 



Lis crown. After Ms location he removed to Illinois, where he 
died in peace. The eccentric Lorenzo Dow relates an in- 
stance of his power in the pulpit, which occurred at a quar- 
terly meeting, where he produced such an impression that 
none of the usual ecclesiastical business of those occasions 
could be transacted, but the entire time was spent in public 
and spiritual exercises. When he began to exhort, a trem- 
bhng commenced among the unconverted ; one, and a second, 
and a third fell from their seats, and the cry for mercy be- 
came general ; many backsliden professors were cut to the 
quick, and for eleven hours there was no cessation of the 
loud cries and supplications of the smitten assembly.* 

Of the nine who were added to the New England Itin- 
erant phalanx in 1795, two withdroAV, and all the remain- 
der located without again resuming effective service, so far as 
we can ascertain. Sad necessity of the times, which com- 
pelled so many at the maturest period of their energies, to 
seek bread for their famihes in secular pursuits ! It was a 
necessity, nor was the church culpable for it. Recently or- 
ganized, existing yet in feeble and scattered bands, composed 
mostly of God's poor, without chapels, and without resources, 
and almost without friends or sympathy, it was impossible for 
it to maintain a married ministry. Hence most of the Itin- 
erants of that day retired in early manhood. But the Lord 
provided for the exigency. Young men, vigorous in faith 
and talent, were perpetually rising up to fill the vacated ranks, 
while, through the admirable economy of the church, the 
retiring champions continued, undiminished, their Sabbath la- 
bors, and became, as it were, the veteran garrisons of local 
positions throughout the land. Hundreds, too, of the latter, 
after providing for their families, re-entered the active scr- 



*Dow's Journal. 

29-" 



342 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



vice with unabated heroism, and, " waxing valiant in fight," 
turned to flight the armies of the ahens throughout the rest 
of their years, and fell, at last, with their armor on. The 
ministry of no church, since the apostolic age, has pre- 
sented severer tests of character, and no tests have brought 
out nobler developements of energy and devotion. Let us 
again turn our attention to the two noblest among the noble 
of those days of suffering and triumph. 



CHAPTER XXI. 



ASBURY AND LEE ITINERATING. 

Asbury at General Lippett's — Providence — Boston — Lynn — Waltham — Framingham 
— Leaves New England — Lee at Boston — The first Methodist Chapel in the Metrop- 
olis — Persecution at Provincetown — Lee in Maine — Incidents at Mount Desert — 
Asbury returns to the Eaet — At Redding — New Haven — Middletown — (Quarterly 
Meeting — New London — Haddam — Norwich — Results of the Year. 

Asbury left New London, as we have seen, early on Mon- 
day morning after the Conference, and at eight o'clock, A. 
M., was preaching in the Academy at Norwich. Though the 
season was oppressively warm, " an awful time of heat," as 
he describes it, he had projected a circuitous tour of many 
hundred miles though New England, and back again to New 
York, to be accomplished on horseback in little more than a 
month. The next day he was on his route to Khode Island, 
and reached Coventry, where, he remarks, " my fatigue and 
indisposition made me glad to get to bed." The day after, 
he reached General Lippett's, his favorite resting-place, or 
rather stopping-place in Rhode Island. He writes : 

"I consider it fifty hard miles from New London to General Lip- 
pett's ; we have been the best of three days riding it, through the in- 

343 



344 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISLI. 



tense heat ; last year I rode it in one day. I feel a moving towards 
these people, as though the Lord would get himself a name, and have 
a people to praise him in this place. I feel myself greatly humhled 
before the Lord, for the peace aud union in our late Conference ; and 
the satisfaction expressed by the preachers on receiving their sta- 
tions." 

On the following day, he arrived at Providence, but met 
with no very flattering reception. As he entered the town 
with Lee and Roberts by his side, 

" Some noisy, drunken fellows," he writes " raised a cry and 

shout, and made a sacrifice of the Methodists to hell. Mr. is now 

pastor, and the Tennant-house is shut against us. I wished to ride 
on, and not stop in town; but Mr. Robertson, an ancient Englishman, 
constrained us to turn in with him. We dined at Milton, and made 
it thirty miles to Boston." 

The prospect was not very flattering yet in the metropohs. 
He writes ; 

" I preached twice on the Sabbath, (though very unwell) in a room 
that will hold about two hundred and fifty people. It seemed as if we 
hardly had either cursing or blessing among the people here. I have 
no doubt but that if we had a house, we should command a large con- 
gregation ; but we labor under great inconveniences where we preach 
at present. I feel myself feeble in body and faint in spirit; yet Christ 
is njine, and I hope to be his in time and forever. Amen." 

On Monday, 27th, he reached Lynn. He was feeble and 
w^orn with labor, yet sought no repose ; besides his pulpit 
exercises, he here, as elsewhere, performed the duties of a 
pastor. He says : 

" Since I have been in Lynn, I have visited Woodsend and Graves- 
end, met five classes, visited about one dozen families, talked to them 
personally about their souls, and prayed with them. I have filled up 
intervals in reading my Bible, and the second volume of Mr. Wesley's 
sermon." 

On Monday, August 2d, a warm and sultry day, he says : 

"I arose in the morning very feeble in spirit, and attended prayer- 
meeting at six o'clock. I preached three times ; administered the sa- 
crament, and m.et two classes, and was not so fatigued as I expected I 



ASBURY AND LEE ITINERATING. 345 



should have been. I have had some refreshing seasons ; and now I 
bid farewell to Lynn for two years." 

Such extraordinary exertions could not fail, however, to 
react on the nervous system ; even this man of giant energy 
wept and sorrowed at times, like a child. During his visit to 
Lynn, he says, " My spirits were sunk in dejection, I felt no 
passion, but grief and sorrow." Yet no delay, no rest ! 
" to move^ move^'' he adds, " seems to be my life," and he 
laments that he did not set oiF with the young men to the 
Province of Maine." 

On Monday, after the excessive labors just noticed, he de- 
parted for the delightful homestead of Pickering, at Waltham ; 
but its quiet seclusion and shady orchards, then bending with 
the golden peach and apple, could not charm him from his 
one work ; he preached, and was away again the next day. 
His zeal infected all about him. Of Roberts, who accompa- 
nied him, he says he had taken an intermittent fever when 
we were at New Haven, and hath labored and suffered, sick 
or well, until he is almost dead." 

He left him to the hospitable care of the family, and 
pressed forward, on Tuesday, to Framingham, where he says : 

" I preached to a simple-hearted people ; and although weak in body, 
I felt enlargement of heart ; here the society appeared to be all tender- 
ness, sweetness and love. After riding thirty miles to Milford, (being 
an excessive day of heat and hunger,) I preached on Isaiah 35 : 3 : G. 
To my great surprise, whilst 1 was preaching, Brother Roberts, whom 
I had left sick at Waltham, came in ; I Avas amazed that he should 
ride thirty miles through such heat, without eating or drinking ; it was 
enough to make a Avell man sick. 

" Thursday, 6th. We set out for Thompson, in Connecticut, whence 
we came to dear Brother Nichols's ; if I had not eaten, I could not 
have stood the labor of thirty miles, and preaching. I found there was 
religion among this society ; the ancient people are stirred up by the 
Baptists, and the young ones by the Methodists. 

" Saturday, 8th. We rode twenty-six miles to Wilbraham ; I was 
well nigh spent, and Brother Roberts was ready to drop on the road- 
side. I spoke late ; the weather was warm ; T took but little rest for 
my body, and my mind was powerfully tried various ways. 



346 



MEMOEIALS OF METHODISM. 



" Sunday morning-, 9th. My first subject was the parable of the 
sojver, afterwards the sacrament was administered. I thought it 
a dull time, but others did not think so. I gave them another dis- 
course in the afternoon, on ' The promise is to you and to your chil- 
dren.' It was a running exhortation, chiefly application. In the even- 
ing, Brother Roberts, though weak in body, gave them a sermon on 
' My little children for whom I travel in birth again till Christ be 
formed in you.' I see but little prospect of good being done here 
whilst the people are so divided. 

" Monday, 10th. I stopped and gave an exhortation, at Springfield. 
After a thunder-gust, we came to Agawomin. If I accomplish the 
tour I have in contemplation, it will make about six or seven 
hundred miles to the city of New York. I was stopped by the 
rain ; but when I cannot do one thing another offers ; I could read, 
write, pray, and plan. I laid out a plan for my travels in 1797 ; through 
Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Province of Maine, New 
Hampshire, Vermont and New York ; making a distance of twelve or 
fifteen hundred miles. I set out for Williamstown, on the banks of 
the Hoosack, on the west borders of the Massachusetts ; I lodged at 
Sister H.'s ; I was well steeped in water, although my cloak saved me, 
in a good degree, as is frequently the case. My rest was interrupted. 
To labor hard all the day, and have no sleep at night, ill suited the 
flesh. Well might St. Paul say, ' If in this life only we have hope in 
Chirst, we are of all men most miserable.' To labor and to suf- 
fer by night and by day, meet reproach, give up father and mother, 
wife, children, country, liberty, ease, health, wealth, sometimes life it- 
self, in martyrdom : all this may be required." 

On Saturday, 22d, he parted from Roberts to visit a small 
society at Ashgrove, N. Y., formed by Philip Embury, the 
founder of American Methodism. Riding fifty miles on Sat- 
urday, he spent the Sabbath with them preaching twice, 
but was on his route again the same day, and after travelling 
some time in Connecticut, re-entered the State of New 
York, riding " nearly twenty miles through considerable heat, 
without refreshments." He had travelled, he computes, 
about four hundred miles in about the three weeks which had 
intervened since he left Lynn. Thus, he passes from our 
view, to perform similar labors in all the rest of the land, and 
through all the rest of his life. 

Lee accompanied Asbury from Lynn, through Waltham 
and Framingham, to Milford, where he took his leave of the 



ASBURY AND LEE ITINERATING. 347 

Bishop and Roberts, in order to return to Boston, that he 
might assist in the ceremonies with which the founding of the 
Methodist chapel on Hanover avenue, was solemnized. Five 
years had he been laying siege to the almost inaccessible 
community of the Metropohs — returning from the attack, 
ever and anon, from his distant excursions ; his perseverance, 
had, with the blessing of God, conquered at last, and he 
now erected a battery in its midst. On the 28th of August, 
he consecrated the corner-stone of the new temple, amidst the 
rejoicings and thanksgivings of the humble worshippers who 
had struggled to the utmost for its erection. It was located 
on a narrow lane in the present suburb of the city, but was 
for years a moral pharos, throwing an evangelical radiance 
over the mass of neglected population around it. The greatest 
men of our ministry have proclaimed the truth from its rude 
pulpit, and its humble communion has been adorned by some 
of the finest specimens of Christian character which have dis- 
tinguished our history. Lee was three weeks in the city ; 
during this time he took his stand, three successive Sabbaths, 
on the Common, w^iere thousands heard the word of life from 
his lips, who would have gone no where else to hear it. 

Leaving the work in Boston in charge of Mr. Harper, he 
went forth again on his travels, passing with rapid transitions 
in every direction. The unfortunate loss of his manuscripts 
has deprived us of most of the details of these tours. We 
glean from what data remain, a few notes of his labors the 
remainder of the present ecclesiastical year. 

His first excursion was to Cape Cod. A Methodist preach- 
er, on his voyage from New York to Nova Scotia, had been 
driven, by stress of weather, into Provincetown, and, as usual 
with our primitive ministry, improved the delay by preaching 
to the people. A profound impression was produced by his 
labors, and soon after his departure, urgent invitations came 



348 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



to Boston for further help. George Cannon was sent thither 
from the late Conference. Lee himself, now started to second 
his efforts, and passed down the whole length of the Cape, 
preaching at every opportunity on his way. When he ar- 
rived, he found that popular violence was raging against the 
young society. A town-meeting had formally voted against 
the erection of a Methodist church ; the timber, which had 
already been collected for the building, had been destroyed 
by the rabble, and a tarred and feathered effigy of Mr. Can- 
non placed upon the ruins. 

" I went to see it," says Lee, " and felt astonished at the conduct 
of the people, considering we live in a free country, and no such con- 
duct can be justified; however, I expect this will be for the good of the 
little society, and that they shall find the truth of these words, ' the 
wrath of man shall praise thee.' " 

The prediction has been verified. Extensive revivals of 
pure religion have prevailed there, Methodism has struck deep 
root into the soil, and its noble temple, seen from the waters as 
a prominent ornament of the town, is now filled by the largest 
and most influential congregation of its community. 

Besides extensive labors in other parts of New England, 
Lee visited Maine twice before the ensuing Conference. 

" Monday, 23d of November, I rode," he says, " to Bristol, and at 2 
o'clock preached on II. Pet. 3 : 14. This was the first Methodist sermon 
ever preached in Bristol. I could truly say the meeting was profitable 
to my soul. I then rode to Mr. Rust's, in Nobleborough, and at night, 
preached on Prov. 1 : 22, 23. We had a solemn time. The people 
pressed me hard to send them a preacher, but I know not how I can 
do it, unless the Lord will send forth more laborers into his vineyard. 

"Tuesday, 24th, I rode to New Milford, and held forth in the new 
meeting-house, on Rom. 2:6. I had but few to hear; I suppose the 
head men were somewhat afraid, and therefore did not have proper 
notice given. The young candidate rode with me a few miles after 
meeting, and was not satisfied with my inviting all to Christ, and per- 
suading them to choose religion and turn to God. I asked him if he 
did not believe that God had decreed that some men should not be 
saved ? He said he did. I then asked him if he did not believe that 
.Christ opened a way, by his death, whereby all might possibly be sav- 



ASBURY AND LEE ITINERATING. 



349 



ed ? he said he did. Then I told him, according- to Avhat he said, Christ 
had opened the way whereby God's decrees might be broken, and wished 
him to try and clear up the contradiction : he did try, and tried it oft- 
en, till he was quite confused — and so we parted. 

In the spring of 1796 he was again traversing the wilder- 
ness of Maine. 

" Saturday, 7th of May," he writes, " I returned to Trenton, to Mr. 
James Smith's, at a place called Kilkenny, where at 2 o'clock I preached 
on Ezek. 18 : 11. This was a thinly settled neighborhood ; but I had 
quite a good company of hearers, and the Lord was present with us. 
I found great freedom in speaking and was melted into tears myself, 
and the people wept very freely. I felt so much for their poor souls, 
that I was willing to spend my life for their welfare. This was the 
first Methodist sermon ever preached in Trenton, and the people heard 
as though they were never to hear another. After meeting I rode to 
Union River, left my horse, went to Benjamin Joy's, and stayed all 
night. 

"Sunday, 8th. At Mr. Joy's, on Union River, at 11 o'clock, I dis- 
coursed on the one thing needful. The day was wet, but thank God 
we had a good meeting. In the afternoon my text was Dan. 6 : 16. 
The place seemed awful on account of the presence of the Lord. O, 
what a pity that so many people in this place should be destitute of 
regular preaching : many of them seem willing to hear the word. I 
felt thankful to God for bringing me amongst them once more." 

On Tuesday, lOth, he passed down the river, got into a 
canoe with several other passengers, and went over to Mount 
Desert, where a multitude had gathered to witness a militia 
training. He thrust himself in among them, announcing his 
intention to preach. 

" Many women," he says, " had also collected to see the men muster, 
and afterward to have a dance. But when they found out that I intend- 
ed to preach, they were at a loss to know what to do ; some said they 
would have a dance, others said nay, but we will have a sermon. The 
woman of the house said, if they would not hear the gospel, they 
should not dance. The man of the house spoke out aloud, saying, 'if 
the Lord has sent the man, let us hear him, but if the devil has sent 
him, let the devil take him away again.' So I told them I would preach 
at another house, at 4 o'clock." 



He set off for the place but had a rencontre on the way 
30 



350 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



with one of those sturdy theologians, who so often crossed 
his path in New England. 

" He was brim full of religious talk, but I soon discovered that he was 
a strong fatalist ; when he found out that I believed that Christ died 
for all men, and that the Lord called all men, he got mto a violent pas- 
sion, and with abundance of fury, called it a damnable doctrine, and 
appeared to be ready to swear outright. Poor man ! how small a thing 
is it for a man to call himself a Christian, while he is governed by 
wrath and an evil spirit." 

Arriving at the appointed house, he preached with his 
usual power and effect. 

" The Lord was very precious to my soul, and many of the hearers 
were melted into tears, and heard the word as though it had been for 
their lives. But while I was preaching, the forementioned man, and 
another of his party, kept shaking their heads at each other, as much 
as to say, ' that 's not true ; ' at last I stopped, and said to one of them, 
'I should be glad if you will try and keep your head still ;' he behav- 
ed better afterward. Mount Desert, is now divided into two towns ; 
the one I preached in is called Eden. This was the first Methodist 
sermon ever preached in the town ; and I feel a pleasing hope that a 
lasting blessing will attend it, I lodged with Mr. Paine that night. 

"Friday, 17th of June. We left the two Brother Hulls and Broth- 
er Baker, in Falmouth, where I preached at 2 o'clock. I found much 
of the presence of God with me while preaching, and the word was 
attended with some power: many tears were shed. There has been a 
good stir of religion in this place, of late." 

Returning from Maine, he continued his travels with una- 
bated zeal, till the Conference at Thompson, Conn., in Septem- 
ber, 1796. We have, however, no further particulars of his 
labors down to that period. 

After about a year spent in traversing the Continent, as 
far as Georgia, Asbury was again approaching the East, to 
attend the Thompson Conference. On the 2d of Sept., 
he left New York city, where he had been meeting classes, 
visiting from house to house, and preaching continually, dur- 
ing two weeks, and, after many labors on the route, arrived 
at Redding, Conn., on the 6th. The society in that village, 



I 



ASBURT AND LEE ITINERATING. 351 

had been gradually gathering strength. They assembled to 
greet him at Mr. Sandford's, where he gave them an en- 
couraging discourse from I. Peter 1 : 13-15. 

On Thursday, he reached New-Haven and " preached in 
Brother Thatcher's house, near the foundation of the college." 

We were crowded," he writes, " and I was elaborate on 
Eomans 1 : 16-18 ; describing : 

" 1. The most leading features that formed the character of the peo- 
ple addressed — elect — begotten again — scattered abroad by perse- 
cution and by the ministry of the word — suffering ministers and saints 
of God ; 2. The subject on which they were addressed — to gird up 
the loins of their mind, and hope for great grace when Christ shall ap- 
pear to overthrow Jewish superstition and heathen idolatry — obedient 
children — to fear, trust in, and love the Lord ; and to keep all his com- 
mandments : to be holy, according to the nature and will of God, and 
his great and gracious promises. " 

On Friday he arrived at Middletown, where he spent the 
two ensuing days in holding a quarterly meeting — one of 
those public occasions, those holy re-unions at which the scat- 
tered brethren assembled from all parts, within twenty or thir- 
ty miles around, formed brotherly intimacies, related their 
Christian experience in the Love Feast, and having renewed 
their vows and zeal, again dispersed, strong in the common 
sympathy of their common course. At the present gather- 
ing, " there were present," says Asbury, " many brethren 
and sisters from distant towns." He stood up in their 
midst and encouraged them from I. Peter 4 : 13-15 : " But 
rejoice^ inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ'' s sufferings; 
that, when his glory shall he revealed, ye may he glad also 
with exceeding joy. If ye he reproached for the name of 
Christ, happy are ye ; for the spirit of glory and of God 
resteth upon you: on their part he is evil sjjojcen of, hut on 
your part he is glorified.^' Before they parted he again dis- 
cussed the prospect before them, from Isaiah 62 : 12 : '''They 



352 MEMOKIALS OF METHODISM. 

shall call tliem^ the holy people^ the redeemed of the Lord; 
and thou shalt be called, sought out, a city not forsaken.''^ 

The next day he was at Old Haddam, rejoicing to find there 
" some gracious souls," and a new Methodist chapel. 

" My body," he says, " is full of infirmities, and my soul of the love of 
God. I think that God is returning to this place ; and that great days 
will yet come on in New England. 

" Wednesday 14th. We passed Hadlime, thence to Millington, where 
we had many to hear, at kind Brother P 's. 

" Thursday 15th. I had twenty miles to New London. My brethren 
have given me work enough. I feel like a man of a feeble body, but 
my soul enjoys a sweet calm, and pure love ; I cannot seek or desire 
any thing but God. I refused to go into the court-house to preach, but 
we had a gracious season at a dwelhng house. 

" Friday 16th. We came to Pogustonick, a little town of attentive 
people : I preached on " The Son of Man is come to seek and save 
that which was lost : " an aged man cried out, and rising up at the 
close of the meeting, delivered his testimony." 

On Saturday, 17th, he reached Norwich, where the Meth- 
odists of surrounding towns had gathered as at Middletown, 
for a Quarterly Meeting. They met in the Academy. He 
addressed to them also words of encouragement, from, If 
ye be reproached for the cause of Christ, happy are ye, for 
the spirit of glory and God resteth upon you ; on their part 
he is evil spoken of, but on your part is glorified." He des- 
cribes " the persons under sufferings — those who were the 
friends to, and followers of Jesus — partakers of the spirit 
of God, as a spirit of glory teaching them to believe, to love, 
and suffer, and give glory to God and Christ." 

The Sabbath was a day of great interest. At 8 o'clock, 
A. M., was held the Love Feast. 

" It was a sweet, refreshing season ; several talked very feelingly, 
among whom were some aged people ; many praised God for the in- 
strumentality of the Methodists in their salvation. My spirit felt aw- 
ful this morning ; and my body unwell ; however, at the time appoint- 
ed I began preaching on Romans 8 : 6 — 8. Serious impressions ap- 
peared to be made on the minds of some of the audience. After spend- 



ASBURT AND LEE ITINERATING. 353 



ing about four hours in the congregation, (including sacrament and 
love-feast) I passed the afternoon in retirement at my lodgings, being 
unwell. This day I was led out greatly for New-England; I believe 
God will work among this people ; perhaps they have not had such a 
time here for many years : the power of God was present ; some felt 
as at heaven's gate — two or three aged women spoke as on the bor- 
ders of eternity, and within sight of glory. Cold as the evening was, I 
was under the disagreeable necessity of riding ten miles ; I crossed 
the Willimantink at Loyd's bridge, and came in late to brother Ful- 
ler's." 

The next day he reached Thompson and prepared for the 
business of the Conference. 

Thus closed the year 1795-6. It was a period of hard 
conflict, of advancement in some directions, but reverses 
in others. The aggregate of the returns of members was 
2519, exhibiting a decrease of 56.* 

Lynn reported a loss of 20 ; Marblehead, 22 ; Pittsfield, 
94 ; Middletown, 6 ; New London, 14 ; Redding, 93 ; Tol- 
land, 39. On the other hand there had been a gain of 105 
in Maine and New Hampshire, and numerous conversions in 
Vermont which were not reported. The real loss was, there- 
fore, probably smaller than it appears to be in the census. 

But if there was a slight numerical declension, there was an 
actual growth of Methodism, in the invigoration of its organiz- 
ed plans, and the extension of its scope of operations. Its la- 
borers had formed two new Circuits in Maine. They had pen- 
etrated into New Hampshire and Vermont, and had projected 
a vast Circuit in each. Lee had formerly preached the doc- 
trines of Methodism in all the New England States, but be- 
fore the present year its standards had been planted perma- 
nently only in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and 
Maine, now they were reared to be furled no more in all the 
Eastern States. A net work of systematic labors extended 

*Thc returns from New England are accurately discriminated in the Minutes the pres- 
ent year, for the first time, from those of New York. This fact may account to some 
extent for the apparent diminution in the former. 

30* 



354 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



into them all, from Norwalk in Connecticut' to the Penobscot in 
Maine, and from Provincetown in Massachusetts to Montpe- 
lier in Vermont ; and hereafter the progress of the new Com- 
munion is to advance, as we shall witness, with accelerated ra- 
pidity in every direction. 

The number of Circuits at the beginning of the year, was 
19 ; those reported at its conclusion, amounted to 21 ; 
Orange and Needham, two of the former, were now merged, 
however, in neighboring appointments ; there was, therefore, 
an actual gain of four. 



CHAPTER XXIL 



THE THOMPSON CONFERENCE. 

Conference at Thompson, Conn., — Incidents of the Session — Asbury's Sermon — 
Cheering Reports from the Circuits — Heroic Death of Zadok Priest — Locations — 
Lorenzo Dow — Asbury leaves New England — List of Appointments — New Cir- 
cuits — Kennebec — Bath — Chesterfield — Vershire — Outline of Labors. 

The Thompson Conference commenced on the 19th of 
September, 1796 ; most of the preachers arrived late, and 
the session did not begin till evening, but " that evening and 
the next morning, Tuesday, 20th, and Wednesday, 21st, we 
were," says Asbury, " closely employed." Here, as at New 
London the year before, they had not the convenience of a 
chapel for their deliberations, but were entertained with 
hearty hospitaUty by the young and devoted church, and as- 
sembled in an unfinished chamber, in the house of Captain 
Jonathan Nichols.* In this humble apartment did these men 
of great souls devise plans which comprehended the land, 
and extended to the end of time. About thirty were 
present, " some of whom," remarks Asbury, " were from the 



* Letter of Rev. H S. Ramsdel to the Writer. 



355 



356 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



Province of Maine, three hundred miles distant, who gave us 
a pleasing relation of the work of God in those parts." He 
preached to them in the rude chamber, enjoining upon them 
their ministerial duties to the people, from Acts 26 : 18,19: 

To Olden their eyes, and to turn them from tlie poiver of 
Satan unto Crod ; that tliey may receive forgiveness of sins, 
and inlieritance among them which are sanctified,^ ^ &c. The 
sermon was hstened to "with deep emotion bj a crowded as- 
sembly, among whom sat the Parish clergyman, rapt in the 
interest of the occasion. To this day, the effect of the dis- 
course is often mentioned among the reminiscences of the 
olden times, which are recalled in the conversations of vete- 
ran Methodists, who still survive in that neighborhood. 

" We talked together, and rejoiced in the Lord," says As- 
bury. Enoch Mudge and Joshua Hall brought them refresh- 
ing reports from Maine. The former had witnessed the rapid 
spread of the truth along the banks of the Kennebec, where 
an additional Circuit had been formed ; the latter had been 
proclaiming the message of life on both sides of the Penob- 
scot, and though assailed on every hand with hostilities, had 
seen the arm of the Lord made bare, and souls turned from 
darkness unto hght ; they could both tell of hard fare, terri- 
ble winters, long journeys amidst driving storms, and comfort- 
less lodgings in log cabins, through which the snow beat upon 
their beds, but also of divine consolations which had sancti- 
fied every suffering, and victories of the truth multiplying 
through the land. Lemuel Smith reheved the reports of de- 
clension from Massachusetts and Connecticut, by news of an 
extensive revival on Granville Circuit, where nearly one hun- 
dred souls had been gathered into the church since their last 
session. Lawrence Mc Coombs reported severe combats and 
serious losses on New London Circuit, but was undaunted in 
his characteristic courage and sanguine hopes. Cyrus Steb- 



THE THOMPSON CONFERENCE. 



35T 



bins brought tbe mournful intelligence that one of their num- 
ber had fallen in the field since they last met. The youthful 
and devoted Zadok Priest, who had been appointed the past 
year to Warren Circuit, had died in peace, after a brief Itin- 
erant career of two years and a half. He was the first 
Methodist preacher who had ascended to heaven from New 
England ; his brethren mourned that they should see him no 
more in the flesh, but rejoiced that he had fallen with his ar- 
mor on and words of victory upon his lips. He died a mar- 
tyr to the ministry, and presented in his last labors a sublime 
example of devotion to his work. Having been attacked 
some time before by hemorrhage of the lungs, he returned 
home to his friends to seek relief, but finding that pulmonary 
consumption had supervened, and no hope of restoration re- 
mained, he went forth again into the field to die heroically at 
his post, and there he remained till death smote him down. 

Asbury ordained seven Deacons and five Elders, during 
the session. Lemuel Smith, Amos G. Thompson and John 
Hill compelled, probably, by sickness or want, took leave of 
their Itinerant brethren and retired into the local ranks ; but 
other and mightier men — Timothy Meritt, John Broadhead, 
Elijah Woolsey, &c. — stepped into their places, and the 
New England Methodist ministry presented a more imposing 
aspect of strength than had yet distinguished it. An indi- 
vidual, subsequently noted through the nation, presented him- 
self for admission among them, — the eccentric Lorenzo Dow, 
— but the discerning eye of Asbury perceived the peculiarity 
of his character, and his application was declined. He linger- 
ed about the place during the session, weeping sincere tears. 
" I took no food," he says, " for thirty-six hours " afterwards. 
He will make, by and by, a brief appearance in our narra- 
tive. On Wednesday the little band again dispersed, to 
sound the alarm through the length and breadth of the eastern 



358 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

States. Asburj was away the next day, as usual ; he rode 
thirty miles, to East Hartford, where he preached the 
same evening; the following day he was proclaiming the 
word in Waterbury. On Saturday he reached Stratford, 
where he spent the Sabbath. He says : 

" I have been under great heaviness, and was unwell in body. We 
have rode upwards of one iiundred miles in the last three days ; but 
still I must go on; there is no rest. I attended at Chesnut-Hill, and 
preached on 1. Thess. 1 : 5. This was the first house that was built for 
the Methodists in Connecticut, and it is not finished yet. 

" Monday, 26th," he remarks, " we rode along to fairfield, Norwalk, 
and arrived at Stamford, about twenty-eight or thirty miles. On our 
way we stopped to feed our horses, and found a woman that was sick, 
with whom I talked and prayed. We crossed the State line and came 
to New Rochelle, in New York, twenty -three miles — heavy and 
hungry." 

The following was the schedule of appointments for the 
year. Jesse Lee, Elder ; CrreenwicJi, Stephen Hull ; War- 
ren, Daniel Ostrander ; Boston and JVeedham, George Pick- 
ering, Joshua Hall ; Lynn, James Covel ; Marhleliead, 
George Cannon ; Chesterfield, Philip Wager ; Portland, 
Jesse Stoneman ; Readfield, Cyrus Stebbins, John Broad- 
head ; Bath, Enoch Mudge ; Penobscot, Elias Hull ; Prov- 
incetoivn, Robert Yellalee ; Kennebec, Aaron Humphrey ; 
Ver shire, Nicholas Snethen ; New London, Nathaniel Cha- 
pin, Timothy Meritt ; Pomfret, Joel Ketchum, Daniel Brum- 
ley ; Middletown, Joshua Taylor, Lawrence Mc Coombs ; Tol- 
land, Evan Rogers, Thomas Coope ; Litchfield, Daniel Den- 
nis, Wesley Budd ; Gfranville, Joseph Mitchel, Ralph 
Williston ; Bedding, Elijah Woolsey, Robert Leeds ; Pitts- 
field, Timothy Dewy. The last eight Circuits were included 
in the New York District, under the superintendence of 
Garrettson and Sylvester Hutchinson. 

The four new Circuits of the year, were Kennebec and 
Bath, in Maine, Chesterfield, in New Hampshire, and Ver- 



THE THOMPSON CONFERENCE. 359 



sWre, in Vermont. The first included the upper towns on 
the Kennebec River."* It was afterwards called the Norridg- 
wock Circuit, and extended among the frontier settlements 
of that day. " We had good times in that part of the coun- 
try," says Lee, speaking of the date of its formation, " and 
many souls to this day have cause to bless God that ever we 
preached the gospel among them, and that ever they cast 
their lots among us."t The Bath Circuit comprehended the 
region about the mouth of the Kennebec. Lee informs us, 
that " the preacher was to spend most of his time in the town 
of Bath, but was to travel as far as the town of Union." f 
" We were not as successful," he remarks, " in the town of 
Bath as we were in many other places ; disputes about the 
settled preacher ran high, and the contention was too severe 
on both sides. Li Union there was a good work begun, and 
souls v/erc awakened and brought to God."§ Chestei-fieid Cir- 
cuit was so called after the town of that name in the south- 
west angle of New Hampshire. It was in this town that the 
first Methodist society of the State was formed, in the latter 
part of 1795, whereby Methodism completed its introduction 
into the series of the American States. '•^ There were, at 
this time," says Lee, " but few that felt freedonto unite with 
us ; yet after some time, a few more cast in their lots, and 
other societies were soon formed in other places." This Cir- 
cuit spread its labors over more than fifty miles square." 
Vershire Circuit was the first one formed in Vermont. It 
reached," Lee tells us, " from the towns near the Connecticut 
Biver, to Montpelier." Subsequently it included a vast range 
of travel, scarcely less than four hundred miles, compre- 
hending about twenty-five townships, and all the Methodist 
field in the State, east of the Green Mountains. 



* Lee's History of Methodism, Anno 1794. f Ibid. J Ibid. $lbid. 



360 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



" Many of the places," writes Lee, " where Ave preached in that Cir- 
cuit, were quite new settlements : the houses were very small, and but 
scattering through the country. The preachers had to encounter many 
difficulties, and to endure many hardships. But one thing which made 
up for all the difficulties, was this, the people were fond of attending 
meeting by day or night, and were very kind to the preachers. And the 
best of all was, sinners were awakened, and in a little time some of 
them became the happy subjects of the favor of God, and were zeal- 
ously engaged in trying to help forward the work of the Lord as far 
as they could. Since then, we have prospered considerably in this 
new part of the country." 

Twenty-one Circuits, one District, and a large portion of a 
second, together with thirty-one Itinerant laborers, constituted 
the plan of labor for the year 1796-7. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



SKETCHES OF PREACHERS. 

Ralpli Williston — Robert Yellalee — Anecdote — Elijah Woolsey — John Biodhead 
— His early Christian Experience — Itinerant Labors — Character — Personal Appear- 
ance — Timothy Merritt — His History and Character. 

Nine preachers received appointments this year in New 
England, for the first time. 

Ralph Williston entered the Itinerancy the present 
year, and labored as colleague of Joseph Mitchell, on Gran- 
ville Circuit, Mass. The next year, he was appointed to 
Vershire, Yt., and was the second Methodist preacher regu- 
larly sent to the State of Vermont. The following three 
years he was appointed successively to Lynn, Massachu- 
setts, and the Merrimac, N. H., and Hawke, N. H., 
Circuits. In 1801, he passed to Maine, where he con- 
tinued two years, in charge of a District which compre- 
hended the entire Methodist interest of the Province. Tim- 
othy Merritt, Asa Heath, Oliver Beale, Philip Munger, and 
other able men, were under his superintendence. He left 
New England in 1803, and was appointed to New York city, 
as colleague of Thomas Morrell and Michael Coate. The 
31 361 



362 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

next year, he passed still farther southward, and labored on 
Annapolis Circuit, Md. He afterwards travelled the Frede- 
ricktown Circuit, Md., one year, when he withdrew from his 
fellow-laborers, and found repose, if not usefulness, in the Lu- 
theran, and later in the Protestant Episcopal church. He 
was settled some time in the city of New York, whence he 
removed to the South.* 

Robert Yellalee was born in Newcastle, Northumber- 
land county, England, in 1766. He commenced preaching 
when he was twenty-two years old. 

He used to relate many interesting anecdotes of perse- 
cutions which he suffered in the land of his nativity, while 
a local preacher, one of which we will record. While on his 
way to an appointment, he was informed of an individual who 
was intending to take his life. Nothing daunted, trusting in 
God, he went forward and commenced the meeting. After 
the introductory exercises, he selected for a text, " Wo unto 
him that striveth " Avith his Maker," Isaiah 45 : 9. He be- 
held before him, a man whose countenance betrayed a war 
of contending passion. The sermon proceeded. The power 
of the Most High descended. Presently a long knife dropped 
from the sleeve of the man, to the floor, and at the close of 
the discourse he came forward trembling and weeping, con- 
fessed the intention of his heart, and begged for the prayers 
of his proposed victim. 

In 1796, he was ordained Elder by Bishop Coke, for the 
Eoulah Mission, Africa. In company with others, he em- 
barked for Sierra Leone. Their ship came to anchor in the har- 
bor, at night. "In the morning, as the sea presented a mirror 
surface, hundreds of human beings might be seen gathering 
on the shore. Soon the placid calm was disturbed by the 
swift-plied paddles and gliding canoes with which the water 



♦ Bangs' Plist. of Methodism, vol. IL, p. 189. 



SKETCHES OF PREACHERS. 



363 



was interspersed. While they approached the ship, they 
sung, 

' How beauteous are their feet, 
Who stand on Zion's hill,' &c. 

The converted natives had been informed that there were 
missionaries on board. War some time afterward broke out, 
and, together with other circumstances, rendered it necessary 
for the missionaries to leave." * 

Mr. Y. sailed for America, joined the Methodist Itinerants 
of New England in 1796, and was appointed to Province- 
town, Mass. In 1797, he was colleague of Joshua Taylor, on 
lleadfield Circuit, Maine, and the next year, of Aaron Hum- 
phrey, on Bath and Union Circuits, in the same State. In 
1799, his domestic circumstances compelled him to locate. 
He resided, till his death, in Maine, usefully employed as a 
local preacher. He founded the church at Saco, and planted 
the germs of many others, while travelling in that State. It 
was his happiness to receive into the church the present Senior 
Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal church South. He died 
July 12th, 1846, in the seventy-eight year of his age. He 
was a man of but ordinary talents, but of an excellent heart. 
His death was attended with the peace and victory of faith. 
" The sun of righteousness which had been," says one who at- 
tended him, his light for above sixty years, shone with 
hio;her brisihtness in the hour when he was called to enter the 
vale of death. f 

Elijah Woolsey began his Itinerant labors in 1793, on 
Cambridge Circuit, N. Y., as colleague of Joel Ketchum. 
The next year he went to the help of Dunham and Coleman, 
in Upper Canada, where he labored arduously during two 
years. In 1796, he returned, and entering New England, 



* Zion's Herald, July 16, 1845. 



t Zion's Herald, August 19th, 1846. 



364 MEMOEIALS OF METHODISM. 

travelled tlie Redding Circuit, Conn., with Robert Leeds. He 
located the next year, but in 1800 resumed his roinisterial 
travels on Newburg Circuit, N. Y. The following two years 
he spent on Flanders Circuit, N. J. In 1803, he Avas ap- 
pointed Presiding Elder of Albany District, which he contin- 
ued to superintend till 1807, when he was stationed at Brook- 
lynn. The next year he travelled Croton Circuit, and in 1809 
returned to New England and labored on Pittsfield Circuit, 
Mass. The three ensuing years he spent in New York, on 
Duchess Circuit and Rhinebeck District — one year on the 
latter. He re-entered New England in 1813, and travelled, 
respectively, Middletown, Stratford and Redding Circuits, in 
Connecticut. The next eight years he labored on Duch- 
ess, Courtlandt, Newburg, Croton and New Rochelle Cir- 
cuits, in New York. In 1824, he was again in New Eng- 
land, travelling Redding Circuit. The year following, he was 
among the supernumeraries, and labored on Courtlandt Cir- 
cuit, N. Y., but in 1826 returned to Connecticut, and trav- 
elled the Stamford Circuit. He continued there two years, 
the last which he spent in the Eastern States. In 1828, he 
had charge of New Rochelle Circuit, N. Y. He preached as a 
supernumerary nine years more, five on Courtlandt Circuit 
and four on that of New Rochelle, and in 1838 was returned 
on the roll of superannuated veterans, where he still contin- 
ues. His Itinerant ministry extended through forty-four la- 
borious and successful years. Venerable with age and vir- 
tues, Mr. Woolsey still Hngers in the church, a beloved rem- 
nant of " the noble army " of Itinerants who founded Ameri- 
can Methodism. We regret that we are not able to give a 
fuller outline of his protracted and useful ministry. 

John Brodhead's name is endeared to New England 
Methodists, and yet the information which remains respecting 
him is too scanty to admit of a biographical sketch in any 



SKETCHES OF 



PREACHERS. 



365 



"wise adequate to his prominent position in our liistoiy. He 
was born in Smithfield, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, 
October 5th, 1770. Like most of the distinguished evange- 
lists already noticed in these pages, he was blessed Avith the 
lessons and examples of a pious mother, and was the subject 
of deep religious convictions, when but a child. " Pie has 
been heard to say that he never forgot the impressions made 
upon his mind, while kneeling at his mother's feet, learning 
his little prayers."* This early seriousness disappeared amidst 
the gaiety and temptations of youth, but about his twenty- 
second or twenty-third year, he was awakened to a sense of 
his danger, and made a subject of the regenerating influence 
of the Holy Spirit. The Methodist Circuit preachers had 
been accustomed to visit his father's neighborhood, occasion- 
ally, for years. One evening, after hearing a very powerful 
discourse, he returned home and retired to an adjacent barn 
with a sadness of heart which sought to indulge its sorrow in 
solitude. It was there, as he has often been heard to say, 
that he heard a voice, as it were, addressing him personally, 
and saying in solemn and most impressive tones, " Prepare to 
meet thy God." Till this time, he had attempted to conceal 
his feelings, but now his distress became so great that he re- 
solved to disguise it no longer. He declared at once that he felt 
himself a guilty and condemned sinner, exposed to the wrath of 
God, and began to pray for mercy with earnestness and tears. 
He went about exhorting his youthful companions in sin to 
set out with him in seeking the salvation of their souls, de- 
claring that if there was mercy for him he was resolved never to 
rest till he should find it. One of his associates told him that 
" he was beside himself — that the Methodists had made him 
crazy ; " but he replied that it was otherwise — that he had 



* Letter from Rov. S. Norris to the Writer. 

31* 



366 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



been beside himself most of his clajs, but was now retm^ning 
to his right mind." His zeal in seeking the salvation of his 
own soul, and his ardent efforts in behalf of others, became so 
great, that God made him the instrument of the awakening of 
several of his friends, even before he himself had found the 
consolations of the Spirit. 

He continued thus seeking the salvation of himself and 
others till the favor of God dawned upon his soul, and the 
Divine Spirit bore witness with his spirit that he had passed 
from death unto life. Joyful with the consciousness of a re 
generated heart, and anxious to bring others to like precious 
faith, he immediately began to testify the goodness of God to 
his own soul, and to prepare for the responsible work of the 
Christian ministry. He entered the Itinerant service in 
1794, a year in which Beauchamp, Snethen, Canneld, Joseph 
Mitchell and other New England evangelists, commenced their 
travels. Mr. Brodhead's first Circuit was that of Northum- 
berland, Pa. In 1795, he was appointed to Kent, Del. 
The next year he came to New England, and took the dis- 
tant appointment of Readfield, Me., then one of the only 
three Circuits in that Province. In 1797, he passed to 
Massachusetts, and was appointed to Lynn and Marblehead ; 
the following year he was removed to Rhode Island, and la- 
bored on Warren Circuit. In 1799, he returned to Maine, 
and resumed his labors on Readfield Circuit, as colleague of 
Nathan Emory ; the next year he passed through a long 
transference to Connecticut, and took charge for two years 
of the New London District, where he superintended the la- 
bors of Ruter, Branch, Vannest, Sabin, Ostrander, and other 
" mighty men." In 1802, he travelled the Vershire District, 
chiefly, in Vermont. The next year he was appointed to 
Hanover, N. H., and the three following years had charge 
of the New Hampshire District. He returned to ^lassachu- 



SKETCHES OF PREACHERS. 



367 



setts in 1807, and travelled, during two years, the Boston Dis- 
trict, with a host of able men under him, among whom were 
Pickering, Webb, Hunger, Steele, Kibby, Merwin, Ruter, 
&c. The next four years he was appointed, respectively, to 
Portsmouth and Newmarket, (two years at each,) after 
which he was four years on the superannuated list, but took 
an appointment again, in 1820, at Newmarket and Kings- 
ton, as colleague of Joseph A. Merrill. He was now ad- 
vanced in years, and afflicted with infirmities — hence his 
subsequent appointments exhibit much irregularity. He was 
again in the superannuated ranks in 1821, but took an ap- 
pointment the next two years as colleague of Phineas Cran- 
dall, at Newmarket ; the ensuing three years he was on the 
supernumerary list, but labored as he was able at Newmarket 
and Epping, N. H. In 1827, he resumed an effective rela- 
tion to the Conference, and labored two years, respectively, at 
Newmarket and Poplin, N. H. ; the following two years he 
was left without an appointment, at his own request. In 1831, 
he was again placed on the supernumerary list, and contin- 
ued there till 1833, when he resumed effective service, and was 
appointed to Salisbury and Exeter, N. H. The next year we 
find him among the supernumeraries, where he continues until 
1837, when he once more entered the Itinerant ranks, and, as 
was befitting a veteran so distinguished, died there after a 
year's service at Seabrook and Hampton Mission, N. H. He 
spent forty-four years in the ministry, forty-two of them in the 
East, laboring more or less in all the New England States. 
He died April 7th, 1838, of a disease of the heart, from which 
he had suffered for a number of years. His departure was 
peaceful and triumphant. The Boston Post paid the follow- 
ing tribute to his memory, at the time : 

" Possessing naturally a strong mind, warm affections and an impos- 
ing person, he was a popular as well as an able and pious preacher ; 



868 



JI E M 0 E I A L S 



METHODISM. 



and probably no man in New England had more personal friends, or 
could exercise a more widely extended influence. He was repeatedly 
elected to the Senate of his adopted State and to Congress, yet was 
always personally averse to taking office ; and thougli he spoke but sel- 
dom on political subjects, the soundness of his judgment and the known 
purity of his life, gave much weight to his opinions. In the early 
days of his ministry he endured almost incredible fatigue and hardship 
in carrying the glad tidings of the gospel to rem.ote settlements, often 
swimming rivers on horseback, and preaching in his clothes saturated 
with water, till he broke down a naturally robust constitution, and laid 
the foundation of disease, which affected him more or less during his 
after life. In his last days, the gospel, which he had so long and so 
faithfully preached to others, was the never failing support of his own 
mind. To a brother clergyman who inquired of him, a short time be- 
fore his death, how he Avas, he said — " The old vessel is a wreck, but 
I trust in God the cargo is safe." 

He " was a good man ; deeply pious, ardently and sincerely 
devoted to the interests of the church and world : it is known 
to all who were acquainted with the untarnished excellence 
of his character that a great man and a prince has fallen in 
Israel." * This brief, but significant remark, is all that the 
public Records of the church have noted respecting the 
character of one of the most beloved names of its early his- 
tory, and we draw this short narrative of his Hfe to a close with 
the melancholy conviction that it is totally, though necessa- 
rily, unworthy of his exalted excellencies and services. 

Mr. Brodhead was a true Christian gentleman, courteous, 
unafiectedly dignified, and yet of a temper so kindly and 
benign, that all who approached liim loved him, and even lit- 
tle children found in him an endearing reciprocation of their 
tender sympathies ; he was universally a favorite among them. 

His moral character was pre-eminently pure and lovely. 
He was ever hopeful, confiding in God and in man, forbear- 
ing towards the weak, co-working with the strong, instant in 
prayer, living by faith, entertaining large and apostolical 
views of the gracious provisions of the gospel and the gra- 
cious purposes of Providence. All felt in his company that 

* Minutes of J833. 



SKETCHES OF PREACHERS. 



369 



they were in the presence of a large-mmded, pure-hearted, and 
an unlimitedlj trustworthy man. With such a character he 
could not but be generally popular, and such was the respect 
and esteem entertained for him by his fellow citizens of New 
Hampshire that, besides important offices in their State Legis- 
lature and Executive Council, he was sent by them, during 
a term of four years, as their representative in the Congress 
of the United States, and his consent alone was necessary to 
have secured to him the supreme office of the State. While 
in civil offices he retained unabated the fervency of his 
spiritual zeal, in Washington he maintained, at his lodgings, 
a weekly prayer-meeting, which was composed of his fellow 
legislators ; and on Sabbaths he preached, more or less, in all 
the neighboring Methodist churches. 

As a preacher, he possessed more than ordinary talents ; 
his clear understanding, combined with quick sensibiUties 
and a vivid imagination, could not but render him eloquent 
on the themes of religion. He was partial to the benigner 
topics of the gospel, and often would his congregations and 
himself melt into tears under the inspiration of his subjects. 
When he treated on the divine denunciations of sin, it was 
with a solemnity, and at times with an awful grandeur that 
overwhelmed his hearers. " I heard him," says a veteran of 
our ministry,* " when I was a young man, preach on the 
Last Judgment, in Bromfield street chapel, on a Sabbath 
evening, and if the terrible reality had occurred that night 
its impression could hardly have been more awfully alarming." 
At such times, " seeing the terror of the Lord," he persuaded 
men with a resistless eloquence, his large person and noble 
countenance seemed to expand with the majesty of his 
thoughts, and he stood forth before the awe-struck assembly 
with the authority of an ambassador of Christ. 

* Rov, T. C. Peircc. 



870 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

Mr. Broclhead's personal appearance was unnsiially inter- 
esting. He was six feet in stature, with an erect and firmlj 
built frame. Though slight in person when young, in his ma- 
turer years he became robustly stout, and towards the end of 
his life somewhat corpulent, but retained to the last the dig- 
nified uprightness of his mien. His complexion was light, 
features well defined, forehead high and expanded, his eye 
dark, large and glowing with the spontaneous benevolence 
of his spirit. In fine, his tout ensemble rendered him one of 
the noblest men in person, as he unquestionably was in char- 
acter. 

Timothy Merritt was a prince and a great man in our Is- 
rael. He was born in Barkhamstead, Conn., Oct. 1775, and 
trained in " the nurture and admonition of the Lord," by 
devoted parents, who were early members of the Methodist 
Episcopal church in that State. About the seventeenth 
year of his life, he experienced the renewing grace of Grod. 
Religion entirely imbued his nature, and marked him, from 
that period to his death, as a consecrated man. One who 
first led him into the pulpit, and who held with him during 
life the communion of a most intimate friendship,* gives the 
following sketch of his history : 

I became acquainted with him at his father's, in the town of Bark- 
hamstead, in the north-western part of the State of Connecticut, in 
the year 1794. Here I was introduced to Timothy Merritt, as a pious 
young man of great hope and promise to the infant cJiurch in that 
place and vicinity. Ufter attending the usual preaching and other ex- 
ercises at Barkhamstead, on the forenoon of the Sabbath, he accompa- 
nied me about five or six miles to another appointment, and, probably 
for the tirst time, took a part in the public exercises of the sanctuary. 
He had before been in the habit of improving his gifts in private and 
social meetings. He entered the travelling connection in 1796, and 
was stationed on New London Circuit, on which I had travelled in '94. 
This Circuit, at that time, was about throe hundred miles in extent. 



Rev. Enoch Mudge. 



SKETCHES OF PREACHERS. 



371 



Here he was both acceptable and useful. The next year, 1797, he 
joined me in my labors on Penobscot Circuit, in the province of Maine. 
His presence to me was as the coming of Titus to Paul — 11. Cor. 7: 
6. We entered heart and hand into the arduous labors required of us 
in that new country, where we had to cross rivers by swimming our 
horses, ford passes, and thread our wayinto new settlements by mark- 
ed trees. The Lord gave him favor in the eyes of the people, and his 
heart was encouraged and his hands strengthened by a good revival, in 
which much people were added unto the Lord. Here our sympathies 
and Christian friendship were matured and strengthened as the friend- 
ship of David and Jonathan. 

The next year, 1798, he was stationed on Portland Circuit, where 
he continued two years. In 1800 and 1801 he was stationed on Bath 
and Union Circuit ; and in 1802 on Bath station. On all these ap- 
pointments he saw the fruits of his labors, and had living seals of his 
ministry. During these years, our correspondence was constant and 
highly interesting to me, giving evidence of a rapid improvement in 
his mental and moral powers. In 1803 he located, and continued in 
Maine about ten or eleven years, and then removed to the place of his 
nativity, and remained in that region until 1817, when he again enter- 
ed the Itinerancy. 

The fourteen years of his location were years of great labor, toil 
and hardship. He did not locate to leave the work, but that the infant 
churches might be eased of the burden of supporting him and his 
growing family, and that they might have no excuse for not supporting 
their regular stationed preachers. 

Besides the constant and arduous labors required for his own sup- 
port, he was abundant in his ministerial exertions, — filling appointments 
in different towns constantly on the Sabbath, and delivering occasion- 
al week-day lectures ; as most of the stationed preachers were unor- 
dained, he had to visit the societies to administer the ordinances, and 
assist in organizing and regulating affairs necessary for the peace and 
prosperity of the cause. Occasionally he attended Quarterly Meetings 
for the Presiding Elders, from twenty to a hundred miles from home, 
taking appointments in his way to visit the churches. He went to his 
appointments in canoes, and skated to them in winters, on the streams 
and rivers, ten, twelve, or fourteen miles. 

When he re-entered the travelling connection, in 1817, he was 
stationed in Boston. Here we had the unspeakable satisfaction of 
uniting in mutual labor for two years. My health being very poor 
at this time, he was always ready to take the burden and the short end 
of the yoke. As some of our aged friends there will recollect, we had 
members living at Charlestown, Chelsea, Cambridge, Roxbury, Ded- 
ham, Nantasket, &c. These we had to visit and hold meetings with 
thern as our labors could be spared from the city; Br. Merritt always 
volunteering Avhon he thought it would relieve me. In 1819 he was 
stationed at Nantucket, but in 1820 he joined me in Lynn, and was 
stationed at Wood End, where he remained two years. In 1821 we 
had a gracious revival of religion at Lynn, and received, as the fruit of 



372 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



it, about a hundred members, many of whom lived to sympathize with 
him in his last afflictions, and to witness to the church the fidelity of 
his pastoral care and labor. 

In 1822 he was stationed in Providence, R. I. In 1823 and '24 in 
Bristol, R. L, and I succeeded him in Providence, so that we again 
had the happiness of being frequently together. In 1825 and '26 he 
was again stationed in Boston, which gives good evidence how accep- 
table his labors were on that station. From hence, in 1827, he went to 
Springfield, where he continued two years. In 1829 and 1830 he was 
stationed at New Bedford, where now he has living epistles of his 
ministry. In 1831 he was stationed at Maiden, and devoted much of 
his tiiiie to the editorial duties of Zion's Herald. In 1832-3-4 and '5 
he was at New York, as assistant editor of the Christian Advocate and 
Journal. 

Thence he returned to the New England Conference, and was 
stationed at Lynn, South street. Here he continued two years. His 
health and physical energies failing, he received a superannuated re- 
lation to the Conference, which continued till life closed. 

Thus have I traced the scenes of his long, laborious and useful 
life, in which much people have been added unto the Lord. But who 
can tell how many will be the stars in his crown ? Let eternity de- 
clare ! 

Mr. Merritt possessed a rare intellectual vigor. His judg- 
ment was remarkably clear and discriminating, grasping the 
subjects of its investigation, in all their compass, and pene- 
trating to their depths. He lacked fancy and imagination, 
but was thereby, perhaps, the better fitted for his favorite 
courses of thought, — the investigation and discussion of the 
great doctrinal truths of religion. His predilection for such 
subjects was not a curious propensity to speculation, but an in- 
terest to ascertain and demonstrate the relations of fundamen- 
tal tenets to experimental and practical piety. This was the dis- 
tinguishing characteristic of his preaching. Like St. Paul, 
he dehghted to discuss the " Mystery of Godliness," and illus- 
trated its " Greatness." Dangerous error shrunk in his 
presence. While at Springfield, Mass., he was drawn into 
a public controversy with a preacher of Universalism, and 
sustained himself with so m.uch vigor in the debate that his 
opponent was utterly overthrown, and the false doctrine 



SKETCHES OF PREACHERS. 



3T3 



routed from the town for several years, so far, at least, as any 
organized support of it was concerned. The great doctrine 
of Christian perfection was his favorite theme. He was a 
living example of this truth. 

His friend, from whom we have already quoted, gives the 
following sketch of his character. 

Holiness to the Lord, was his constant motto. He was emphati- 
cally a man of a single eye, a man of one work. He literally forsook 
all to follow Christ and seek the salvation of his fellow-men. Both 
his mental and physical system were formed for the work. He had a 
muscular energy which was fitted for labor and fatigue, so that he de- 
lighted to say, 

" Labor is rest, and toil is sweet, 
If thou my Lord art here." 

I remember his saying to me, one morning, after having performed 
what to me and others would have been a fatiguing journey, " I feel 
as fresh to start, if it were needful, on a journey of a thousand miles, 
as I did when I started on this," His mind was of a thoughtful and 
serious turn, and of great activity. He was constantly grasping for 
new subjects of thought and new scenes of usefulness. 

His zeal was a steady, active, glowing fire, seldom showing itself in 
a sudden, much less flickering flame. The language of his heart 
seemed to be, 

" No cross, no suffering I decline, 
Only let all my heart be thine." 

He had a strong, holy jealousy for the truth of God, and the com- 
mon sins and errors of the day found no favor from him. 

He met the opposers of truth with a calm and fearless mind. His 
pocket Bible was his annor. He early became a good textuary, 
free and ready in his selections of truth, adapted to every occasion. 
He seldom failed to convince those who attacked him, that they had 
no contemptible antagonist. He was plain and direct in his reproofs 
of error and sin ; never flippant and wordy, but pursuing his antago- 
nist closely with home thrusts of truth. 

Genuine Christian humility Avas an eminent trait in his character. 
All his devotional exercises manifested this in a manner worthy of im- 
itation. In prayer he was grave, solemn and fervent. In public de- 
votions I have sometimes seen him when he appeared as if alone with 
his God. There was never an undue familiarity of expression fell 
from his lips. In this respect he truly sanctified the Lord God in his 
heart, and honored him with his lips. 

Mr. Merritt's gravity was not sour or sombre, so as to render 
him unsocial or unamiable. I ever found in him one of the most free 
and social companions of my life. He cherished a deep regard for all 

32 



374 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



the great and benevolent movements of the church, such as the Bible 
and Missionary, the Sabbath School and Education, the Temperance 
and Anti-slavery causes. All these early enlisted his sympathies. 
For them he prayed and plead, for them he wrote, and to them he con- 
tributed to the extent of his ability. 

The outpourings of his amiable heart never appeared more inter- 
esting and excellent than in his confidential correspondence, which I 
have had the happiness to enjoy for more than forty years, and to 
which I never refer without the purest pleasure. Here his mind and 
heart appear in naked loveliness. 

As a preacher his subjects in general were well chosen, his manner 
serious, plain, distinct and direct. He was often doctrinal, and in 
these discourses he stated his object, presenting his propositions with 
precision, and brought his Scripture proofs aptly, fully, and forcibly. 
His inferences and reflections were various and pertinent. He felt he 
was called to defend the great doctrines of the gospel, and did it fear- 
lessly, searching out and exposing error and detecting sophistry. But 
his most delightful theme was the doctrine of holiness. In treating 
this he found ample scope for illustrating every part of Christian expe- 
rience, and of explaining and enforcing all the practical duties enjoin- 
ed in the gospel. 

There were no flashes of wit, no efforts of eloquence to excite a 
stare, no meretricious drapery, no bombast, no passionate exclamations 
for effect, no useless verbiage to fill an empty space — but a straight- 
forward, plain effort to open, explain and improve the subject and to 
profit his hearers. Although his manner was neither remarkably easy 
nor eloquent — it was more, for it was generally acceptable and profi- 
table. For the word of Christ dwelt richly in him, and it flowed out 
with intelligence and to edification, so that the more serious part of his 
hearers Avere always satisfied. The duties of a pastor were conscien- 
tiously and faithfully performed by him, as the various places of his 
charge can testify. 

When Mr. Merritt's physical energy gave way, his active mind felt 
the shock and totterings of the earthty tabernacle. This was the time 
for the more beautiful development of Christian resignation and calm 
submission. He wrestled to sustain himself under the repeated shocks 
of a species of paralysis which weakened his constitution and render- 
ed it unfit for public labor, by clouding and bewildering the mind. 
But here patience had her perfect work. A calm submission spread a 
sacred halo over the closing scenes of life. Even here we have a 
chastened and melancholy pleasure in noticing the superiority of the 
mental and spiritual energies, which occasionally gleamed out over his 
physical imbecility and prostration. We saw a noble temple in ruins, 
but the divine Shekinah had not forsaken it. 

Another of his intimate associates,* gives us the following 
estimate of his character. 



* Rev. James Poiter. 



SKETCHES OF PREACHERS. 



375 



No man has been taken from the Itinerant ranks of New England, 
who had a higher claim to an honorable memorial among us than had 
Mr. Merritt. He was a learned man — a man thoroughly read in divin- 
ity and philosophy — critical in his observations — powerful in analy- 
sis — of untiring application — ■ deeply experienced in the things of 
God — always exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit by the patience of 
faith and the labors of love. But he was a self-taught man. Some 
of the first pieces he published, he wrote, corrected and threw aside ; 
re- wrote, corrected and wrote again, even to the fourth time, before he 
allowed them to go to press. By this process he acquired a terse, per- 
spicuous and beautiful style. The attention he bestowed upon the ar- 
guments of an opponent, before answering him, was remarkable. He 
weighed every word, and comprehended it, before he framed a sentence, 
and then replied in the most concise and forcible manner possible. 
Thus he seldom misunderstood or misrepresented — always kept direct- 
ly to the point, and seldom failed of complete victory. There was a 
dignified simplicity, a loftiness of language and thought, accompanied 
by a solemnity and fervency of spirit, which awed the hearer, and 
made him feel that God was near, and not unfrequently, as the good 
man's soul filled and gathered strength, and in the might and majesty 
of confiding faith, rose higher and higher still, the spectator would 
stand entranced, like an astonished Israelite looking up into the moun- 
tain to see Moses talking with God. The missionary enterprize was 
dear to his heart. Speaking on the subject about the time our lamented. 
brothers,Cox and Wright, were fitting for Africa, he remarked with great 
animation, mingled with regret, that if he was only a little younger he 
would rejoice to give his life to the heathen. Every benevolent move- 
ment had his approval and his prayers. He was liberal in his pecuniary 
contributions nearly to a fault. When old age and infirmity had wast- 
ed his energies, his big heart still impelled him to a liberality which 
greatly exceeded his means. He was an abolitionist. He early em- 
braced the leading sentiment of the party, viz. : that slavery is sin — 
sin per se, and that its abolition is the duty of the master and the right 
of the slave. These views, with others necessarily growing out of 
them, he ably defended at no little sacrifice — not as mere opinions, or 
" abstractions,'" but as settled principles, clearly taught by the founder 
of Methodism, and formerly embraced and advocated by the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. But in his controversies upon this question he hap- 
pily avoided the errors of some others. He never indulged in severe 
personalities, or in asperity of temper. Though often misunderstood, 
and not treated with all that consideration he deserved, he possessed 
his soul in patience, and loved his brethren from whom he differed 
with sincere affection. But, however hot the storm of opposition wax- 
ed around him, he stood firm — true to his sentiments as the needle to 
its pole. Thus he lived and died, and is embalmed in the recollections 
of all who had the honor of his acquaintance, as an inflexible and able 
advocate of the rights of the enslaved. Venerable Man ! May we, 
his survivors, prove ourselves worthy representatives of such a father, 
by a grateful remembrance and imitation of his virtues. In a word, 



376 



]^^E MORTALS OF METHODISM. 



he was a great and good man — an indulgent husband and father — a 
bright and shining light in the world. More genuine meekness — 
more modest magnanimity — more Christian urbanity and intelligent 
devotion to God, it has never fallen to my lot to behold in one mortal 
man. 

Mr. Merritt has left some valuable productions — " The 
Christian's Manual," " The Converts Guide," a volume of 
his controversy on Universalism at Springfield, including dis- 
courses of his friend Dr. Fisk, dehvered on the same occa- 
sion, and several able sermons in pamphlet form. His con- 
tributions to our periodicals were very numerous and always 
able. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



EVENTS AND RESULTS OF 1797. 

Lee's Appointment — Power and Success of the Early Itinerant Ministry — Asbuty 
Prostrated — Success of the Year. 

Leb was reappointed to his former District, at the Thomp- 
son Conference, but passed, immediately after the session, to 
Baltimore, to attend the General Conference, which com- 
menced on the 20th of October. He took an active part in 
its proceedings. Before returning, he visited his paternal 
home, in Virginia, having been absent four years. 

He resumed his labors in New England in January, 1797, 
and was happy to find the cause of God advancing on many 
of the Circuits. His District comprised the whole Methodist 
field in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island and 
Massachusetts, except two western Circuits in the latter ; 
Ostrander, Pickering, Brodhead, Mudge, Snethen and other 
strong men, were under his guidance — mighty men, who 
went through the land like flames of fire. ^One who witness- 
ed their labors, thus describes them : 



378 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



It is now both pleasing and profitable to reflect, with what divine 
power the gospel was accompanied, and the surprising effects it pro- 
duced in the hearts of the people, as it was preached by the Methodist 
ministry at that time. " It came not in word only, but in power." The 
preachers from the South came among us in the fulness of the blessing 
of the gospel of Christ ; in faith and much assurance in the Holy 
Ghost ; fearing nothing, and doubting nothing. The love of Christ 
constraining them, they came in the name of the Lord to sound the 
trump of jubilee, and to invite the dying sinners of New England to 
come to Christ and live. They came not in vain. They appeared in 
our midst with warm hearts, devoting both soul and body to the impor- 
tant interests of the Redeemer's kingdom. A divine unction attended 
the word, " and fire came out from before the Lord, and consumed up- 
on the altar the burnt offering and the fat : Avhich when the people saw, 
they shouted and fell on their faces." They ran in every direction, 
kindling and spreading the holy flame, which all the united powers of 
opposition were unable to quench, for it burned with an inextin- 
guishable blaze. Many were added to the church of such as shall be 
saved. It was not uncommon, in the early days of Methodism in these 
parts, among the solemn-listening multitude, to see mournful weeping 
eyes, and to hear deep, pensive sighs and groans, and sometimes heart- 
rending cries for mercy, that not only exceedingly affected and over- 
whelmed the whole congregation, but made the very pillars of cor- 
ruption tremble ! Hence, reformations became frequent, deep and 
powerful, and many ran to and fro, saying, " These are the servants of 
the most high God, who show unto us the way of salvation." Thus 
these preachers became " a spectacle to angels and men." Sometimes, 
persons felt the gospel to be the power of God unto salvation before 
they left the house, and went home praising God. Under one sermon, 
in some cases, fifteen or twenty would be awakened, and numbers 
brought into the liberty of the gospel of the blessed Savior. In the 
darkness of the midnight hour, while the senses of the preacher were 
fast locked in sleep, a tap on the window of his apartment would break 
in upon his slumbers, and some voice, in a pensive, trembling tone, 
might be heard, " Sir, my wife, or daughter, is in great distress of mind, 
and wants you to come and pray with her. Come now ; she cannot 
wait until morning." This work was so powerful, that whole toAvns 
and villages, in some instances, were arrested by the influences of the 
gospel. Every face wore a solemn aspect, and for a time, profanity 
was unheard and unknown, the places of mirth and amusement were 
brought low, and every countenance seemed to say, " What do these 
things mean? " Not only the poor and the obscure, but the rich and 
the great, in some cases, bowed down under the majesty of the gospel. 
The great work of God, through the instrumentality of the pioneers 
of Methodism in New England, subjected them to many, very many 
sufferings and privations. The labor was great and extensive. They 
travelled and preached almost every day for months together. But 
they endured hunger and thirst, cold and heat, persecutions and re- 
proaches, trials and temptations, weariness and want, as good soldiers 



EVENTS AND RESULTS OP 1797. 379 

of the cross of Christ ; not counting their ease and pleasure, friends 
and homes, health and life, dear to themselves, so that they might bring 
sinners to God and finish their work with joy. Few, and but very few, 
of them remain to the present time ; they have fallen asleep. They 
did much to prepare the more improved and happy state of things en- 
joyed by the present ministry, who occupy the same fields of labor. 
Their works and labors of love are now almost forgotten. Peace to their 
ashes. Those of them who still continue with us, are yet suffering the 
will of God, in joyful expectation of an immortal crown of glory that 
fadeth not away." * 

Such were the labors of the strong men whom Lee led 
in the early battles of New England, himself, meanwhile, 
excelUng them all. He traversed his immense District with 
his usual rapidity, proclaiming the word continually, encour- 
aging the preachers in the privations and toils of the remoter 
Circuits, comforting feeble churches, and inspiriting them 
to struggle with persecutions and poverty, to erect chapels 
and spread themselves out into adjacent neighborhoods. 

Towards September, 1797, Asbury, sick, and worn out 
with labors, was pursuing his way towards the East, to attend 
the next New England Conference, which was to set at Wil- 
braham on the 19th of that month ; but on arriving at New 
Rochelle, N. Y., he was disabled from proceeding any fur- 
ther. He was " swelling in the face, bowels and feet," and 
only after two weeks could he place his foot on the ground. 
On September 12th, when he was able to walk only once or 
twice across the room, he wrote a letter to Lee, instructing 
him to preside at the Wilbraham Conference, believing it 
would be impossible for himself to reach it. Though depress- 
ed with disease and exhaustion, his heart glowed with the idea 
of the great cause for which he labored. " Methodism," he 
exclaims, in this letter, " is union all over ; union in exchange 
of preachers ; union in exchange of sentiments ; union in 



* Rov. Epaphras Kibby. 



380 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



exchange of interest : we must draw resources from the cen- 
tre to the circumference." 

Notwithstanding the arrangement made with Lee, the 
veteran Bishop was on his route for Wilbraham the day after 
the date of his letter, but was unable to proceed, and return- 
ed to his comfortable lodgings at New Rochelle, where he 
went to bed with a high fever. He was disabled for several 
weeks, and " distressed at the thought of a useless and idle 
life." " Lord help me," he exclaims, " for I am poor and 
needy ; the hand of God hath touched me." 

Lee proceeded to take his place at the Conference. 

The labors of the year had been successful : extensive re- 
vivals had occurred on several of the Circuits. There was a 
gain of three Circuits, though owing to the fact that two 
(Greenwich and Marblehead) which had been distinct, were 
now merged in neighboring appointments, the numerical gain 
is but one. The returns of members amounted to 3000, 
lacking one ; exhibiting an increase of 480 — about one fourth 
of the gains of the whole church for that year. Both the ag- 
gregate and the increase were doubtless larger, for there are 
no returns from Vermont, though an extensive Circuit had 
been formed within that State, and one of the New York 
Circuits, also, reach into it and included several incipient so- 
cieties. 

The numerical strength of Methodism in the several New 
England States, with the exception of Vermont, was at this 
time as follows: Province of Maine, 616 ; New Hampshire, 
92 ; Massachusetts, 913 ; Rhode Island, 177 ; Connecticut, 
1201. Maine had gained, during the year, 259 ; New 
Hampshire, 24 ; Massachusetts, 89 ; Rhode Island had lost 
43, and Connecticut had gained 151. These details exhibit 
that period to us as the day of small things, but to the la- 
borers of the time, who alone could appreciate the obstacles 



EVENTS AND RESULTS OE 1797. 



381 



which opposed their progress, such results appeared most 
gratifying. 

It was not, however, by numerical exhibits alone that they 
measured their success ; hundreds who never united in their 
humble communion were recovered unto God by their instru- 
mentality, and became, in other denominations, the first agents 
of that resuscitation of vital piety which, has since trans- 
formed the aspect of the New England church. More 
thorough views of experimental religion were disseminated 
through the length and breadth of the eastern States, and, 
chiefly, the foundations were laid for a mighty agency in the 
future, the results of which our grateful eyes have beheld in 
part, and our children's children will behold, we trust, on a 
still ampler and sublimer scale. 



CHAPTER XXV. 



CONFERENCE AND PREACHERS OF 1797. 

Second Wilbraham Conference — Good Tidings from tlie Circuits — Lorenzo Bow — Lo- 
cations — Appointments — Preachers — David Buck — Roger Searle — Ebenezer Ste- 
vens — Joseph Crawford — Ezekiel Canfield — John Finnegan. 

On the 19th of September, 1797, the New England Con- 
ference convened, a second time, in Wilbraham, Mass. Lee 
presided, and made the appointments for the ensuing year, 
in conformity with Asbury's request, and with the approba- 
tion of the preachers. We have been able to glean but few 
particulars respecting the session. " The business," says 
Lee, " was conducted to the satisfaction of the preachers, and 
peace and love dwelt among us." Some encouraging tidings 
were reported from the Circuits. The evangelists from jNIaine 
had planned a new Circuit, and extended considerably their 
former ones. They brought from Bath Circuit, which had 
been formed the preceding year, returns to the amount 
of thirty-one members. From Penobscot, where Enoch 
Mudge had labored, chiefly, (though appointed to Bath,) 
they reported the news of an extended revival, and an acces- 

382 



CONFERENCE OF 1797. 



383 



slon of thirtj-seven souls. Jesse Stoneman brought word of 
a gain of nearly one hundred on Portland Circuit, and Brod- 
head reported from Readfield, his first appointment in New 
England, news of a glorious work of God, and an ingather- 
ing of ninety-four converts. Philip Wager, who, after 
having travelled as the first regularly appointed Metho- 
dist preacher in Maine, had been sent alone the past year 
into New Hampshire, to travel the first Circuit in that State, 
came back with the report of a gain of tAventy-four, and of a 
prospect widening on all sides, for the access of other labor- 
ers. The indefatigable Joseph Mitchell had good news, also, 
from Granville. Under his zealous labors the word had run 
and been glorified, and sixty-nine members had been added to 
the church, Evan Rogers reported cheering tidings from 
Tolland. Opposition had raged, the pulpits of that region 
had fulminated against the new sect, but God owned them 
by gracious outpourings of his gracious spirit, and they had 
gained a nett increase of seventy-three. Woolsey had also 
witnessed the displays of the Spirit on Redding Circuit, where 
about fifty had been received. Joshua Hall had gone from 
Needham Circuit to Sandwich, on Cape Cod, and been instru- 
mental of a wide-spead revival, and a new Circuit was now 
reported in that section, with forty-seven members. 

These were signal results in the estimation of the hard- 
working evangelists of the time, and their hearts warmed 
within them at such evidences of their progress. They 
thanked God and took courage. 

Asbury had sent to the Conference a communication, pro- 
posing the appointment of Lee and two others, (Whatcoatand 
Poythress,) as assistant Bishops ; they declined it as being 
incompatible with the requirements of the Discipline,* but at 



* Lee's Mem , chap. xiv. 



384 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

the close of the session tliey gave Lee a certificate signifying 
their wish that he would " travel with the Bishop and fill his 
appointments, when the latter could not be present." * The 
eccentric Lorenzo Dow, a sincere lunatic, was present and re- 
peated his application, (declined at the Thompson Confer- 
ence,) for admission to the noble company of Itinerants. 
Their growing success, ardent zeal, and vast labors, enlisted 
his indomitable spirit; he felt a heroic sympathy with 
their cause, but they still feared his aberrations, and rejected 
his request. Mitchell and Bostwick plead for him till they 
could say no more, and sat down and wept. He was allowed 
to travel under the direction of the Presiding Elder, but not 
enrolled with the little band.f He was a right-hearted, but 
wrong-headed man, labored like a Hurcules, did some good 
and had an energy of character which with sounder facul- 
ties would have rendered him as eminent as he was noted. 

The venerable Joshua Wells, who had been travelling with 
Asbury, was present during the session, and aided by his 
counsels in its deliberations. J 

Evan Rogers, George Cannon, James Covel, Ehjah Wool- 
sey and Daniel Dennis, located this year, broken down in 
health, or tired of the severities of an Itinerant fife • but^j£_ 
men — Shadrach Bostwick, Michael Coate, Peter Jgiie|\Ym. 
Thatcher and others — took their places. One was expelled, 
— Thomas Coope — the first Methodist preacher excommuni- 
cated in NcAv England. 

The following is the list of appointments for the ensuing 
year: — George Fickermg, Presiding Ulder; Warren smdi 
GreenwicJi, Nathaniel Chapin and Wesley Budd ; Boston 



* Lee's history of Methodism, Anno 1797. 
J Asbury'e Journals, Anno 1797. 



I Dow's Journals, Anno 1797. 



PREACHERS OF 1797. 



385 



and Needham, Daniel Ostrander and Elias Hull ; Sand- 
wich, Joseph Snelling ; Li/nn and Marhlehead^ John Brod- 
head ; Marthah Vineyard, Joshua Hall ; Chesterfield, Smith 
Weeks ; Provincetown, Jacob Rickhow ; Vershire, Ralph 
Williston. Joshua Taylor, Presiding Elder; Readfield, 
J oshua Taylor and Robert Yallalee ; Bath, Roger Searle ; 
Penobscot, Timothy Merritt ; Portland, Nicholas Snethen 
and John Finnegan ; Kennebec, Jesse Stoneman ; Pleasant 
River, Enoch Mudge ; New London, Shadrach Bostwick and 
John Nichols ; Pomfret, Stephen Hull and Joseph Crawford ; 
3Eddletown, Michael Coate and Peter ^^s^So'^^tXand, Law- 
rence McCoombs ; Litchfield, Ezekiel Canfield and William 
Thatcher; G-ranville, David Brumley and Ebenezer Mc- 
Lane ; Redding, David Buck and Augustus Jocelyn ; Pitts- 
field, Cyrus Stebbins and Ebenezer Stevens. The last eight 
Circuits were included in a New York District, under the su- 
perintendence of Sylvester Hutchinson. 

Fourteen of these laborers received their appointments in 
New England the present year. 

David Buck was born in New Jersey, September 12th, 
1771. When but eighteen years old, he was soundly con- 
verted to God. His Itinerant ministry commenced in 1794, 
on Delaware Circuit, N. Y., as colleague of Robert Dil- 
lon. The next three years, he labored successively on New- 
burg (N. Y.) and Long Island Circuits. In 1797, he en- 
tered New England, and was the colleague of Augustus Joce- 
lyn, on Redding Circuit, Conn. We miss him in 1798. The 
next year he reappears in the Minutes, among the supernu- 
meraries. He resumed effective services in 1800, at Brook- 
lynn, N. Y. The following year he was colleague of Peter 
Jane and B. Hibbard, on Long Island, w^here, also, he contin- 
ued to travel the year after, with Peter J ane and John Finne- 
gan. He located, through bodily infirmities, in 1803, after 
33 



386 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



travelling eight years. Mr. Buck was a sound and excel- 
lent preacher. He resided at Hempstead Harbor, Long Is- 
land, after his location, and continued there until the day of 
his death. 

" Perhaps," says one who knew him, " few local preachers have la- 
bored with greater acceptance and usefulness than Brother Buck. For 
about twenty years he has preached almost every Sabbath, in the neigh- 
borhood of his residence, and the adjoining places, and yet few preach- 
ers could collect a larger congregation of attentive and willing hear- 
ers. 

" He Avas an excellent and powerful preacher. At Quarterly-Meet- 
ings and Camp-Meetings, whenever he spoke, he was heard with inter- 
est and delight. God was Avith him — the sacred unction usually 
attended his word, and hundreds on Long Island have cause to bless 
God that they ever heard him proclaim the sound of salvation. He 
held the office of Circuit Steward, and other offices in the church. His 
instructions and admonitions were received with respect ; and perhaps no 
person could have been taken from the Circuit where he resided, whose 
death would be more deeply and universally lamented. 

" He suffered for about ten days the most excruciating pain ; but he 
suffered with that fortitude, that patience, and that calm and cheerful 
submission, Avhicli characterize the Christian. He asked his compan- 
ion one day, ' Have I been impatient ? ' To which she replied in the 
negative. About four days before his departure, .a niece of his said to 
him, as he was sitting in a chair, ' Uncle, you feel, I trust, that heaven 
is your home.' 'Yes,' said he, ' if it were not for that, at such a time, 
I know not what I should do.' And Avhen spoken to afterwards, con- 
cerning his departure he said, 'My conscience is pure, there is nothing 
that I am conscious of that I have cause to fear or dread.' These Avere 
the last words Avhich he uttered, and about one o'clock on Friday morn- 
ing, May 2d, 1823, his immortal spirit fled, Ave have reason to believe, 
to the regions of the just." * 

Roger Searle joined the Itinerancy in 1795, and was 
appointed to Bethel, N. Y. The next year, he Avas the col- 
league of Bostwick and Smith Weeks, on Cambridge Circuit, 
N. Y. He entered New England in 1797, and took charge 
of Bath Circuit, in Maine. The following year, he was ap- 
pointed to Kennebec, Maine. In 1799, he returned to New 
Y^ork, and was sent to Duchess. He re-entered New Eng- 
land the next year, and was colleague of James Coleman, on 



* Methodist Masazino, 1823. 



PREACHERS OF 1797. 387 

Middletown Circuit, Conn. The following two years he spent 
on Cambridge Circuit, but again returned to New England 
in 1803, and was appointed to Pittsfield, Mass. His ap- 
pointment for the next year was not recorded, and in 1805 
he is reported as withdrawn. Mr. Searle was a very respect- 
able preacher, and his labors among us were extensively use- 
ful. After leaving his fellow-laborers in the Itinerancy, he 
entered the ministry of the Protestant Episcopal church, but 
like most who have made the like change, was unsuccessful 
and unfortunate. He sunk under a cloud and descended in- 
to the drunkard's grave. 

Ebenezer Stevens commenced his Itinerant labors on 
Pittsfield Circuit, Mass., the present year, as colleague of 
Cyrus Stebbins. The following two years he spent on Litch- 
field and Middletown Circuits, Conn. Pie travelled four years 
more — two on Cambridge Circuit, N. Y., and two on Bran- 
don Circuit, Vt. In 1804 and 1805, he is returned as su- 
pernumerary, and in 1806, as located. Pie was a choice 
man, habitually buoyant in spirits, bland in manners, and vi- 
vacious in conversation. Of course he could not but be univer- 
sally popular. He was exceeding fertile in comparisons and 
figures, rendering his discourses at once interesting and com- 
prehensible to the popular understanding. In New York, 
Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont, he is afiectionately 
remembered b}^ many. He died in the faith. 

EzEKiEL Canfield was a veteran mighty in labors if not 
in talents, and faithful to the end. His first Circuit was 
Herkimer, N. Y. After spending two more years in that 
State, on Cambridge and New Rochelle Circuits, he came to 
New England, and travelled successively, Litchfield, Gran- 
ville, Warren and Greenwich Circuits. In 1800, he returned 
to New York, and took charge of Cambridge Circuit. The 
next year he was on Brandon Circuit, Vt., with Ebenezer 



388 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

Wasliburn. We miss him the following year, but in 1803-4 
we trace him successively to Brooklyn and Albany. He was 
on the superannuated list the next year. In 1808, he re-en- 
tered the Itinerancy, and clung to its toils and sacrifices 
twelve years longer, preaching at New Rochelle, Croton, 
Courtlandt, Suffolk, Montgomery, New Windsor and New- 
burg Circuits, N. Y., and spending his last three years of ef- 
fective service in New England, on Stratford and Goshen 
Circuits, Conn. He was superannuated from 1819 to 1825, 
" worn out by labor and affliction." * 

He was the dearer to New England for being a native of 
her soil, having been born in Salisbury, Connecticut, He died 
October 16th, 1825, a good and beloved old soldier of the 
cross, which he honored as well by his life as by his voice. 
His talents were not extraordinary, but he was instant in 
season and out of season, traversing New York, Connecti- 
cut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont, sounding 
" the glorious gospel of the blessed God," and seeking the 
lost souls of men. 

" Our beloved brother," say his co-laborers, " was modest 
in his deportment, affable and cheerful in his conversation, 
firm in his attachments to his friends, and plain, experimental 
and practical in his preaching." f Though an agonized suf- 
ferer in his last sickness, he bowed his head in resignation be- 
fore God, enduring, as seeing him who is invisible, and as he 
went down to the grave he declared that his " confidence was 
as unshaken as the pillars of heaven." 

John Finnegan was also a heroic veteran, having done 
good battle in the Itinerant field, for thirty-two years. He 
was a quaint, eccentric, but determined Irishman, bearing the 
trials and toils of an Itinerant life unblenchingly, not only 



* Minutes of 1826. f ^bid. 



PEBACHERS OF 1797. 



389 



during the novelty of a first experiment, but through the tests 
of a long life. He was born in the town of Caran, county 
of Tyrone, Ireland, May 29th, 1767, was converted to God 
in the twentieth year of his age, sailed for America, June 8th, 
1791, and arrived at New York on the 12th of August fol- 
lowing, ' He began his travels as a preacher, in 1795, and 
labored two years on Otsego and ISTewburg Circuits, N. Y. 
In 1797, he came to New England, and travelled successive- 
ly, Portland, with Nicholas Snethen ; Penobscot, with Enoch 
Mudge ; Bath and Union, with Comfort and Smith ; Needham, 
with Nathan Emory ; and Warren and Greenwich Circuits. 
In 1802, he returned to New York and labored on Long Is- 
land and Brooklyn, Southold, Saratoga, Long Island again, 
Croton, Albany, Montgomery, Newburg, Saratoga a second 
time, Cambridge, Schenectady and Delaware Circuits. In 
1814, he returned to New England and labored on Pittsfield 
Circuit, Mass., two years ; after which he was located during 
three years. In 1819, he was again abroad in the Itinerant 
work, preaching successively in Sharon, Conn., Delaware, 
SuUivan, Jefferson and other New York Circuits. His ap- 
pointments form a significant list, illustrative at once of the en- 
ergy of the man and the mutations of the Itinerant ministry. 

He was reported among the worn out " preachers in 
1827, and died in 1838. His death was sudden and unex- 
pected. Having ate his supper as usual, he retired to sleep, 
manifesting no unfavorable symptoms. Soon after, something 
was heard to fall in his chamber, and he was discovered pros- 
trate and speechless on the floor. In a few moments he was 
no more. " He was a good man," say his brethren, " and 
feared not death. * We have no doubt, that he is now re- 
joicing with the saints in heaven. The Lord giveth his ser- 
vants rest." f He remarked in conversation, a few days be- 



* Minutes of 1839, f H^d. 

33* 



390 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



fore his decease, that Christianity did not admit of the fear 
of death, and through grace he was enabled to rejoice in the 
victory. 

J ohn Finnegan is well remembered in New England ; he 
was, indeed, a man never to be forgotten by those who once 
knew him — a unique character — one of those original 
minds, whose strong peculiarities found, frequently in those 
days, a congeniality in the strong peculiarities of Methodism, 
which won them fondly to its embrace, and sanctifying even 
their eccentricities, inspired them with a devotion to its pri- 
vations and labors, the spectacle of which is affecting to our 
contemplation. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



SKETCHES OF PREACHERS. 

Peter Jane — Michael Coate — Shadrach Bostwick — Joseph Snelling — Early Methodist 
Meetings in Boston — Methodism on Cape Cod — Anecdote of Lee — Introduction of 
Methodism into Sandwich, Mass. — Martha's Vineyard — House Warming at Holmes' 
Hole — Revival on Warren Circuit — Scenes in Maine — Methodism in Bristol, R. I. 
— Barnstable — Falmouth —.^William Thatcher. 

Peter Jane was bom in Marblehead, Mass., in 1778, and 
converted to God in his 16th year. He began to travel, as 
a preacher of the gospel, when 18 years of age, and for ten 
years labored with great abihty and success, in Connecticut, 
Massachusetts, Maine and New York. His appointments 
were as follows : 1797, Middletown, Conn. ; 1798, Pleasant 
River, Me. ; 1799, Granville, Mass. ; 1800, Duchess, N. Y. ; 
1801 and 1802, Brooklyn, N. Y. ; 1803 and 1804, Lynn, 
Mass. ; 1805 and 1806, Boston, where he died in the faith 
and peace of the gospel, September the 5th, 1806, at the 
early age of 28. His death, in the vigor of his faculties, and 
at the period of his greatest promise, was an occasion of uni- 
versal mourning among his brethren in New England, for he 

391 



392 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

Tvas a well beloved liope of the church, a man of rare abili- 
ties and excellent qualities. His mind was capacious and 
critical, his information extensive, his style severe and forci- 
ble, his piety profound and uniform, and his manners were 
distinguished by a frankness and sincerity which marked 
him on all occasions. His ministry produced a strong im- 
pression. A deafness, not common to his age, interfered 
with the ease of his social intercourse, but he was neverthe- 
less faithful in his pastoral duties, and did well the work of a 
Methodist preacher. Doubtless, had he lived, he would 
have been one of the luminaries of the church, shedding an 
excellent light over its length and breadth, as he did over the 
local spheres of his able ministry. We regret that the re- 
sources of our information are so inadequate to the merits of 
such a man. 

Michael Coate was also a briofht and shinino; lio;ht in his 
day — a man of precious memory, through a large extent 
of the church. He was born in Burlington, jST. J., in 1767. 
His parents were Quakers, but became Methodists, and were 
the first in that neighborhood who welcomed the Methodist 
Itinerants. When quite young, his mind was frequently im- 
pressed by the Spirit of God, but these impressions were like 
the morning cloud and early dew, which passeth away. At 
last his brother, Samuel Coate, began to preach, and under 
his word the Divine Spirit wrought upon the mind of Michael 
the profoundest convictions. He was led to call upon God 
with tears and groans of anguish, confessing and deploring 
his sinfulness, and entreating the divine mercy, with a broken 
spirit. The light at last dawned upon his soul, the voice of 
God called upon him, " arise and shine, for thy light is come and 
the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." He did arise, and 
from that hour till his death shone brightly in the midst of 
our Zion. Beginning to exhort the very night that brought 



SKETCHES OF PREACHERS. 



393 



deliverance to his captive soul, he continued from that time, 
(1794,) through twenty years of incessant travels and labors, 
sounding abroad the word of life. 

He began his Itinerant ministry in 1795, on Columbia Cir- 
cuit, N. Y., where he continued two years, and then enter- 
ing New England, labored two years more on Middletown 
Circuit, Conn. In 1798, at the solicitation of his brother 
Samuel, who was an evangelical pioneer in Upper Canada, he 
went thither as a missionary, and labored one year in what 
was then the remote wilderness of Niagara. Long travels, 
bad roads, terrible cold and storms, poor sustenance and 
lodging, in log cabins, through which the inclement weather 
played upon his bed, were among the concomitants of the 
Itinerant's life in Canada at that day ; but there were reliefs, 
also. The power of God accompanied his word. Great and 
wonderful revivals followed the labors of Woorster, Dunham, 
and the two Coates, and the foundations of an extensive se- 
ries of churches were laid by their self-sacrificing toils. 

In 1799, he was ordained Elder, and appointed to the city 
of New York ; 1800, Pittsfield and Whitingham, in Mass. ; 
1801, New York city ; 1802, New London Circuit, Conn. ; 
1803-4, New York city ; 1805-6, Philadelphia ; 1807-8, 
Baltimore; 1809, Philadelphia; 1810, Burlington Circuit ; 
1811-12-13-14, he was Presiding Elder of the West Jer- 
sey District. 

He was a man of great talents," says a good authority,* 
" a solid, amiable, and fine looking man." His co-laborers 
say: 

He possessed a strong mind and sound judgrnent ; was much de- 
voted to God, serious, weighty and solemn in all his carriage. Nothing 



* Bishop Hedding to the Writer. 



394 



MEMOEIALS OF METUODISM. 



was more manifest in his character than his meekness and lowliness. 
In the various important stations which he filled, he ever manifested 
the same humility of mind ; no air of self-importance appeared in any 
part of his deportment. As a Christian minister, he was lively, zeal- 
ous, and energetic ; he appeared always to have had a deep sense of 
the infinite value of immortal souls, which led him to use his utmost ex- 
ertion to save them from the wrath to come. He was an excellent ex- 
perimental and practical preacher, and as such, was very useful. With 
the utmost propriety it may be said of him, that ' his praise was in all 
the churches.' 

At the first quarterly-meeting for Burlington Circuit, in 1814, held 
in the city of Burlington, he preached on the Sabbath with great ani- 
mation, acceptability and usefulness, to a large concourse of people, on 
the subject of eternal glory. He chose for his text Rev. 7:9:' Af- 
ter this I beheld, and lo! a great multitude, which no man could num- 
ber, all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the 
throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their 
hands.' While preaching, he was favored with a pleasing prospect of 
that glory, and seemed to anticipate the joys of eternity. This was the 
last time he preached. 

On the ensuing Monday he was taken ill, and continued so until 
the Lord said, 'It is enough ; come up hither;' which Avas about five 
■weeks from his first illness. His afiliction was extremely severe ; but 
he patiently suffered the will of God in his sickness, as he had cheer- 
fully done it in his health ; yet he observed to some of his friends, that 
it is easier to do than to suffer the will of God. In the commencement 
of his illness, Satan thrust sore at him, and his conflict was inexpressi- 
bly great ; under these severe exercises he mentioned the twenty-third 
chapter of Job, a portion of Scripture admirably suited to his case, 
•which he requested to be read to him, and during the reading of which, 
the power of God filled the place, and his soul was abundantly comfort- 
ed. Some time after this, in a storm of rain at night, while the thunders 
were roaring in the heaven above, and vivid lightnings flashed most aw- 
fully, his soul was filled with rapture, and he shouted aloud the praises 
of God, declaring that the peals of thunder sounded sweeter than the 
most melodious music. Subsequently, his soul was more tranquil ; he 
viewed death, in its solemn approach, with the utmost composure, and, 
■with the great apostle, knew that ' he had fought a good fight, had fin- 
ished his course, had kept the faith, and that henceforth there was 
laid up a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, 
■would give him.' On the first day of August, 1814, he took his exit 
to a world of spirits. 

He has left a fragrant memory in the church, and many an 
aged saint who has been profittedby his able labors, brightens 
in countenance at the mention of the name of the devoted 
Michael Coate. 



SKETCHES OF PREACHERS. 



395 



Shadrach Bostwick was also one of " God's noblemen," 
a prince and a great man in our Israel. Like many of the 
great men of Methodism, he was a native of Maryland. Com- 
mencing his Itinerant ministry in 1791, he travelled extensive 
Circuits during fourteen years, in Delaware, Maryland, New 
Jersej^, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Ohio. 
His first appointment was to Milford Circuit, Del. In 1792, 
he was the colleague of Evan Kogers, on Talbot Circuit, Md. 
The three following years he spent in New Jersey, on Bethel, 
Flanders and Elizabethtown Circuits. In 1796, he passed to 
New York, and was colleague to Smith Weeks and Roger 
Searle, on Cambridge and Saratoga Circuits. He came to 
New England in 1797, and travelled New London Circuit 
with John Nichols, The next year he took charge of the 
New London District, where he continued two years, direct- 
ing a host of powerful men, among whom were Lawrence Mc- 
Coombs, Daniel Ostrander, Asa Heath, Joseph Crawford, 
WilUam Thatcher, &c. The three following years he super- 
intended the Pittsfield District, with Henry Ryan, Peter Yan- 
nest, Michael Coate, Joseph Mitchell, James Coleman, Laban 
Clark, Elijah Hedding, and other strong men, under him. In 
1803, he passed to the Western Reserve, then a remote set- 
tlement on the western frontier. There he labored as a mis- 
sionary, on Deerfield Circuit, then within the Pittsburg Dis- 
trict of the Baltimore Conference. He was the first Metho- 
dist preacher sent into that wilderness region, and formed the 
Circuit. It extended among the sparse villages, and required 
extraordinary labors and sacrifices. He travelled on the Indian 
trails and by marks on the trees. The roads were so bad 
in winter and the bridges so few, that he had to desist from 
travelhng for several months during the worst weather. He 
formed the first Methodist societies in that fine country, and 
the results of his labors during this, and the following year. 



396 MEMORIALS OF METHODISBI. 

have continued to multiply to the present time, " keeping an 
even pace with the progress of the settlements, and the im- 
provement of society." * He located on account of domestic 
circumstances, in 1805, and resumed the practice of medicine 
to which he had been educated. 

" Shadrach Bostwick," says one of his old friends and fel- 
low-laborers, " was a glorious man." f He was a consum- 
mate preacher, famous through all the extensive regions of 
his labors, for the intellectual and evangelical power of his 
sermons ; hundreds will rise up and call him blessed, in the 
final day. His talents would have secured him eminence in 
any department of public life. His discourses were syste- 
matic, profound, luminous, and often overwhelming, his piety 
deep and pure, his manners dignified and amiable. 

Joseph Snelling was a native of Boston, where he was 
converted under the labors of Ezekiel Cooper, and became 
one of the earliest members of the struggling Methodist soci- 
ety in that city. 

One Sabbath evening he heard that there was to be a 
Methodist meeting in a private house. Preaching in private 
houses was to him a novel thing, and to satisfy his curiosty, he 
determined to attend. He asked some of his companions to 
go with him. They readily complied with his request, and 
went, expecting to have considerable sport on the occasion. 
When he entered the house, his mind was light and trifling, 
and he felt much prejudice against them ; but when he heard 
the solemn tone of the preacher, and saw solemnity upon the 
countenances of the hearers, he was struck with a degree of 
seriousness that he never felt before. There were but 
eighteen or twenty persons present. Ezekiel Cooper was 
preaching. 

After this, he had a great desire to attend again, 



♦ Bangs' Uistoiy of Methodism, vol. II., p. 80. 



■j- Bishop lledding. 



SKETCHES OF PREACHEES. 397 

I 

and went the next Sabbath. The meeting was in a chamber, 
which was crowded. " Mr. Cooper gave out the hymn, giving 
two lines at a time, so that any of the congregation who had not 
a book, might join in the singing. His text was from I. Thes. 
5 : 19 : ' Quench not the Spirit,' He spoke of the proper- 
ties of fire — that it is warming, enlightening, and purifying 
— and applied it to the spirit in a clear manner." 

He mentioned many ways the Spirit might be quenched, 
and described Mr. Snelling's feelings so plainly, that it 
seemed as if some one had told the preacher of his case. He 
endeavored to suppress his feelings, but found it was in vain. 
He then felt determined to seek an interest in Christ — to 
forsake the vanities of the world and devote himself to the 
service of God. 

" I was delighted," he says, " with the manner, as well as matter of 
Mr. Cooper's preaching. I thought, indeed, he was like ApoUos, 
mighty in the Scriptures, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed. 
I now attended all the meetings, felt willing to give up the company of 
my former thoughtless associates, and every hindrance in my way, and 
was resolved to seek the Lord with my whole heart. My mind was 
constantly in a praying frame. Often, when there was no meeting, 
would I go, in the evening to a place, at the end of the Common, now 
called Beacon Hill, which was a retired place, and there, free from in- 
terruption, spend many an hour alone, in meditation and prayer.* The 
world, with all it could give, was then as nothing, in my esteem. I had 
no desire to go to the theatre or any of those places of amusements 
which I formerly loved. I continued to seek the Lord in all the means 
of grace, but it was some time before I found peace in believing. This 
took place, I think, in a prayer-meeting. While contemplating the 
sufferings and death of our blessed Redeemer, my heart was melted 
into tenderness, and I was brought to give up all for Christ, who was 
indeed, to my soul, ' the chiefest among ten thousand and altogether 
lovely.' I felt that the Lord Jesus Christ had power on earth to for- 
give sins, and I rejoiced in him with joy unspeakable and full of glory. 
I now felt willing to cast in my lot with the people of God, and imme- 
mediately joined the society, much to the dissatisfaction of some of my 
friends. This was in the summer of 1793." 



* In the street, now called Beacon street, there were at that time but three houses. 
These were Governor Hancock's, Deacon Nye's, and Master Vinal's, so called. 

34 



398 MEMOEIALS OF METHODISM. 

Mr. Snelling has the honor of being the first preacher sent 
forth by the Boston Methodists. On being hcensed to exhort, 
he went to Cape Cod, and labored at Truro and other places, 
successively. " In Truro," he says, " as they had no 
meeting-house, we held our meetings in private houses. 
Here the Lord poured out his Spirit in a wonderful manner ; 
many souls were brought from darkness to light, and praised 
God for redeeming grace. This was the greatest work I had 
ever witnessed." 

After receiving license as a local preacher, he labored 
some time at Provincetown. "Many precious souls," he 
says, " were brought from darkness to light. I preached 
on the Sabbath, a part of the time in Truro. There, also, 
the congregations were large, and the word ran and was 
glorified. Brother Lee was Presiding Elder. It was his 
request that I should be removed from Provincetown to 
Khode Island, and another take my place. He brought 
a young man with him for that purpose, and I was ex- 
changed." 

He was now (1796) removed to "Warren Circuit, where 
he assisted Daniel Ostrander. 

" We preached," he says, " nearly every day in the week, besides 
attending prayer-meetings and meeting the classes. It took us six 
weeks to go round the Circuit. There was some revival of religion on 
the Circuit. Brother Lee, being our Presiding Elder, attended all the 
quarterly-meetings. He attended one in a certain place where the 
people neglected to give the preacher any refreshment at noon, on the 
{Sabbath. We told Brother Lee of this, and on Sabbath afternoon he 
preached from Acts 24: 25: 'And as he reasoned of righteousness, 
temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled.' When speaking 
on temperance, he observed, ' If we see a person asleep in the af- 
ternoon, under preaching, it is a sign of intemperance ; perhaps the 
person has eat too much dinner ; but we have no reason to fear such a 
thing in this place, for I have eat no dinner to-day.'" 

He attended the Wilbraham Conference in 1797, and was 
appointed, as we have noted, to Sandwich. 



SKETCHES OF PREACHERS. 



399 



" Before Methodism was introduced into Sandwich," he remarks, 
" there was a man there who formerly resided in Halifax, Nova Scotia. 
This gentleman became acquainted with the Methodists in that place, 
and experienced religion through their instrumentality. He, being de- 
sirous to have preaching of that order in Sandwich, informed the people 
respecting the doctrines, &c., of Methodism, and requested them to 
take measures to have a preacher sent them. This gentleman was 
chosen as an agent, and immediately went to Boston, and applied for one. 
I happened to be in Boston at the time, and recollect the manner in 
which he introduced the subject. ' VVe have a little sister and she 
hath no breasts : what shall we do for our sister in the day when she 
shall be spoken for ? If she be a wall, we will build upon her a palace 
of silver: and if she be a door, we will enclose her with boards of ce- 
dar.' * While I was in Sandwich, I had two appointments for preach- 
ing on the Sabbath, which were six miles apart ; these I fulfilled in 
each place every other Sabbath. I preached half the time in the Congre- 
gational meeting-house, which was well filled with hearers ; and our 
prayer-meetings and class-meetings were lively and powerful. Some, 
I trust, were made partakers of divine grace. I tarried in this place 
about six months ; I hope not altogether in vain. 

He spent the remainder of the ecclesiastical year on Need- 
ham Circuit, which was large and laborious. While there, he 
dedicated the Old Methodist Chapel of Needham. Thence he 
passed to Martha's Vineyard in 1798 — the second Methodist 
preacher appointed there. He preached at Holmes' Hole, 
Middletown and Chilmark. 

"The young people at Holmes' Hole," he remarks, " were very fond 
of the amusement of dancing. They sometimes had what was called 
a house-warming, i. e. when a house was built, the owner, on his first 
moving into it gave a ball. While I was there a gentleman built a 
new house, and gave out word that he should have a house-warming. 
He gave a general invitation to all the young people to attend ; ' but,' 
said he, ' Mr. Snelling must be the fiddler.' By his request I preached 
at his house at the time appointed for the house-warming, to a crowd- 
ed assembly. The young people being disappointed, were determined 
not to be defeated, and appointed a ball soon after. Not long before 
the day appointed for the ball, a gentleman saw a young lady who was 
expecting to attend, and asked her v/hich she should prefer seeing, 
Mr. Snelling with his Bible, or the fiddler with his fiddle. She said 
she should prefer seeing the fiddler. The evening previous to the con- 
templated ball I preached in the neighborhood, and the young lady at- 
tended ; she was awakened, and soon after was made a partaker of divine 



* Song of Solomon, 8 : 8, 9. 



400 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



grace. After the meeting, the same gentleman saAv her again and 
said to her, ' I wish to ask you the same question I did the other day. 
Which would you now prefer seeing, Mr. Snelling with his Bible, or 
the fiddler with his fiddle ? ' ' O,' said she with tears, ' I should rather 
see Mr. Snelling ; what I once called innocent amusement, and so much 
delighted in, I have no desire for now ; I freely renounce all these van- 
ities, and lament that I have spent so much of my precious time in this 
worse than useless manner.' This young lady was not the only one 
that was awakened at this meeting. The greater part of the young 
people were present — the power of God attended the word, and many 
Vi^ere awakened ; there was weeping on every hand ; several were so 
much distressed in mind that they were unwilling to leave the place, 
and we were obliged to continue our meeting till a late hour. The ball 
was given up, and a glorious reformation followed. To the great and 
merciful God be all the glory." 

The next year he was appointed to Provincetown, but was 
sent by the Presiding Elder, George Pickering, to Truro, to 
adjust some discords which had crept into the young society 
there. 

" I preached," he observes, " in Provincetown, Truro, Wellfleet, 
Harwich and Chatham. I had preached to some of these people about 
two years before, when that friendship was established between us that 
is not easily broken. They now received me with every mark of affec- 
tion, and here I felt perfectly at home. The church was well engaged, 
and walked in the light and comfort of the Holy Spirit. The young 
converts, also, were faithful in the discharge of their duty, and, like 
Gideon's soldiers, they broke their pitchers and showed their lamps. 
The Lord was with us and blessed us in our meetings, Avhich were 
powerful and profitable. At the time there was but one other preacher 
of the Methodist order stationed on the Cape. 

In 1800, he attended the Boston Conference, and was sent, 
with Solomon Langdon, to Warren Circuit. 

" This Circuit was very large," he remarks ; " it contained about 
twenty different places within its bounds. In several places the Lord 
poured out his spirit upon the people in a wonderful manner. My col- 
league was a very amiable young man, who labored faithfully in the 
Lord's vineyard. We formed a society in Cumberland, and a blessed 
reformation commenced there. A goodly number in this place expe- 
rienced religion and joined the society. There was a reformation, al- 
so, in Easton and Bridgewater. We had a meeting one evening at 
Easton, where the power of God was manifested in the conversion of 
souls, in a most remarkable manner. The house, which was large, 



SKETCHES OF PREACHERS. 



401 



was full to overflowing, and in every part of it might be heard some 
praying for mercy, and others praising God for redeeming grace. We 
continued our meeting till three o'clock in the morning. The congre- 
gational minister of Easton was present. The reformation continued 
in different directions, and Zion's converts were multiplied." 

In 1801, he was appointed again to Needham Circuit. 

" I was alone," he says, " where two preachers had labored the year 
before. It was a four weeks' Circuit, and Avith preaching class-meet- 
ings, prayer-meetings, visiting, &c., I had work enough. I preached 
on the Sabbath in four different places, alternately ; the meetings were 
well attended, and I hope not altogether in vain. While I was on Need- 
ham Circuit, I formed two societies, one in Weston, the other in Har- 
vard. The societies, in general, were prosperous, and I felt very much 
attached to the people. 

The next year he was removed to Maine and labored on 
Readfield Circuit, where he continued two years. It was a 
four weeks' Circuit, requiring labor in the pulpit, in prayer- 
meetings, and class-meetings, almost daily. Joshua Taylor, 
the Presiding Elder, sent him around Norridgewock Circuit, to 
administer the ordinances. 

" This," he remarks " was a new Circuit, and a very laborious one ; 
but notwithstanding, it was pleasant to labor in the vineyard of the 
Lord. In going round Norridgewock Circuit, I found great difficulty 
in travelling, in consequence of the great depth of snow then on the 
ground. I visited a place at the extreme part of the Circuit, Avhich was 
not incorporated. A man, who was acquainted with the way, guided 
me through the wilderness in a narrow path, scarcely wide enough to 
walk in. He told me that he accompanied David Sand, a Friend 
preacher, through the same path. It was indeed, a dreary way, and I 
was glad to reach the place appointed for the meeting. This was a 
small log hut, with the roof covered with bark ; it was the last house 
in the settlement, and remote from any other. Here I passed the night ; 
it was extremely cold, and, in order to get to my bed, I had to climb 
a small ladder ; this I had done before, and slept where I could view the 
stars through the openings in the roof, and sometimes in the morning 
have found my bed covered with snow Notwithstanding tliese incon- 
veniences, I found a very intelligent and agreeable family. The gen- 
tleman had a liberal education, and held a Colonel's commission. His 
lady was very accomplished, could converse freely on almost every 
subject, and was well acquainted with the writings of some of the most 



34^ 



402 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



popular authors. They had seen better days, but yet were contented 
and happy, though living in this small secluded way. 

" After attending all the appointments round Norridgewock Circuit, 
and administering the ordinances, I returned to Readfield." 

In 1804, Mr. Snelling was again appointed to Sandwich 
Circuit, and in 1805 was stationed at Bristol, R. I., and Som- 
erset, Massachusetts, preaching on alternate Sabbaths in each. 
The feeble society in the former, worshipped in the court- 
house. 

" I preached," he says, " three times on the Sabbath, and had meetings 
of some kind nearly every evening in the week. These meetings 
were attended with a blessing, and many gladly accepted salvation 
through our Lord Jesus Christ. The congregation continued to increase 
till the court-house was so crowded, that our friends thought it neces- 
sary to build a meeting-house. Accordingly, a large and commodious 
house was built, and I preached the dedication sermon, from Matt. 
11: 42: 'The stone which the builders rejected the same is become 
the head of the corner.' The work of the Lord went on in a remarka- 
ble manner ; the church was looking forth fair as the morning, and 
attention to religion prevailed. I preached part of the time in Somer- 
set. They built a new meeting-house, and I preached the first sermon 
in that, also. 

"The next year I was again in Bristol and Somerset, and towards 
the close of it, a blessed reformation commenced again in Bristol ; in 
the midst of it I very reluctantly took my leave of them, and went to 
Conference, which was then in Boston, in the year 1807. My station 
now was Warren and Bristol, it before was called Bristol and Somer- 
set. I preached very little in Warren, as there was a local preacher 
living there, but spent my time chiefly at Bristol. Preaching and hold- 
ing meetings every night, so affected my health, that I became very 
feeble ; but, notwithstanding my strength was sometimes almost ex- 
hausted, I ever considered it a privilege to labor in the Lord's vineyard, 
and in his strength was enabled to go forward in my duty. In Bristol 
we had an excellent choir of singers-; it was thought to be the best on 
Boston District. The gallery, which was in circular form, was well 
filled with singers, and the greater part of them professed religion. The 
gifts in the church, also, were as great as in any place that I ever 
preached in. Several of our brethren were masters of vessels ; these 
would exhort and pray and comment on the Scriptures, in a remarka- 
ble manner. During my labors in Bristol the Lord added to the church 
a goodly number, and I hope to meet them Avhere they that sow and they 
that reap shall rejoice together." 



In 1808, he was sent again to Sandwich. Here he was 



SKETCHES OF PREACHERS. 



403 



informed that a a few were making efforts to introduce Meth- 
odism into Barnstable, but under circumstances of great op- 
position and trial. 

A gentleman, he says, residing there, desiring to have preaching, 
had fitted up a hall for that purpose, but, finding so much opposition, 
was about giving it up through fear of persecutors. We had a 
quarterly meeting at Sandwich, and this gentleman and another from 
Barnstable, attended. Being anxious for their prosperity, and wishing 
to see how things went on, I concluded to make them a visit. I there- 
fore informed Mr. Hinckley of my intention, and requested him, when 
he returned to Barnstable, to make an appointment for me to preach in 
the evening. He told me his house was open and free for preaching, 
but he feared the consequences on my account, thinking I should be 
ill-treated.* I told him that I would venture that, and should be glad 
to go. Accordingly he appointed a meeting, and I fulfilled the ap- 
pointment. The house was very large and filled to overflowing. After 
singing and prayer, I commenced my sermon, from Matt. 22: 42 : 
" What think ye of Christ ? " I closed my sermon, and went through 
every exercise of the meeting, and could not wish a more attentive and 
respectful congregation. 

Mr. Snelling continued in Sandwich two years, during 
which he extended his labors over many parts of Cape Cod, 
and was instrumental in founding several new societies, in- 
cluding that of Falmouth. In 1810, he located ; subsequent- 
ly entered the ministry of the Protestant Methodist church, 
and now, in a green and devoted old age, resides atMethuen, 
Mass. He has been characterized by moderate, but good 
talents, hearty and successful zeal, a temper full of sweet- 
ness, and manners of an endearing amiability. All who have 
known him have loved him, and we doubt not he will be 
hailed by many in heaven, who were led by his instrumen- 
tality to the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of 
the world. We have given him an ampler space in these 
notices than is occupied by many others, not because the 
latter were not equally worthy, but because the sources of 
information respecting them arc slight, while the records of 

* They had prepared to tar and feather one preacher. 



404 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



his travels abound in interesting illustrations of tlie growth 
of our cause. It is not only the design, but the necessity 
of this work, to illustrate the history of Methodism by such 
personal memorials. In the narrative we have given of this 
venerable man, we have many interesting glimpses of its 
progress in Cape Cod, and in Rhode Island and Maine. 

William Thatcher was born in 1769, in the town of 
Norwalk, Conn. " I was born again," he writes, " on the 
19th of June, 1790, in Baltimore, Md. ; I then joined the 
Methodist Episcopal church. My conversion was not a hope 
obtained, but a thorough work of grace, a bright witness of 
pardon, an overflowing love of God, shed abroad in my 
heart by the Holy Ghost, given unto me, about 9 o'clock that 
morning. Since then, a lapse of nearly 67 years, I have nev- 
er lost my adoption into the family of God." * 

Mr, Thatcher was early impressed with the importance of 
personal holiness. He gives the following account of his ex- 
perience of sanctification. 

In the spring of 1793, I resided in Petersburgh, in Virginia; I was 
conversant with some pious young men ; much conversation was had 
on the subject of sanctification, and prayer for that blessing. Our 
views were not clear on it, yet we felt that it was our privilege, and 
believed that God would answer prayer for it. My usual times of 
private prayer, were bedtime, morning and sunset. Having the 
charge of a store, and being the only religious person in the family, 
on closing the store at dusk, my custom was, to lock myself in and pray 
privately. At one of these seasons of retirement, as soon as the door 
was fastened, suddenly such a sense of inward corruption took posses- 
sion of my heart, as brought me to the floor on my face, merely from self- 
abhorrence ; no consciousness of guilt, or doubt of my -state of justifica- 
tion, was the cause of my mental anguish ; but such a view of the 
evils of my heart, as was never before shown me. I rolled upon the 
floor in deep distress, losing sight of every thing but the pollu- 
tion of my heart, which had been unknown to me since the day of 
my conversion ; but now divine light was let into my soul, such as 
I had never received before : the Badness of my unsanctified heart 



* Letter to the Writer. 



SKETCHES OF PREACHERS. 



405 



was now felt by me, and had any one said that in five minutes all this 
evil would be gone, 1 might have said, " If the Lord should make win- 
dows in heaven might this thing be." Yet such was the fact ; I rose 
from my prostration on my knees and began to pray, and this text 
was applied — "If the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, 
wouldst thou not have done it ? How much rather when he saith 
to thee, Wash and be clean ? " My next thought was, " If washing 
in Jordan, at the command of the prophet, would cleanse Naaman, 
how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the Eternal 
Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge my conscience from 
dead works to serve the living God ! " O what a view of the fullness 
of Christ I then had ! The all-sufficiency of the infinite merits of our 
Savior was then spread before me ; my soul was all imprisoned by his 
love ; my unbelief gave way ; faith grasped the prize ! The witness 
of full sanctification was given, O astonishing love Divine ! Redeem- 
ing love ! Glory be to God, I now know that the blood of Jesus Christ 
cleanseth from all sin. Transported with the view, I'm lost in wonder 
love and praise ! Humbled in the dust, my heart could say, " To me, 
who am less than the least of all saints is this grace given." " God 
was all in all to me, and all my soul was love." Experience now 
shows that sanctification was not, as I had before imagined ; such high 
transport of spiritual joys as are sometimes felt in a justified state, but 
my peace was " like an even spun thread." It was a reduction to the 
deepest self-abasement, joined with a peaceful flow of joy in the Lord. 
What contrast to the state of my soul a few minutes before ! when 
such a load of inbred corruption weighed down my spirit ; but now, all 
was peace within ; such is the fruit of simple faith in Jesus, for the ap- 
plication of his cleansing blood. 

He began to preach in the city of New Haven, in 1795. 
His family formed the nucleus of the Methodist church in 
that city. Some interesting facts of his domestic history 
will be given in our sketch of that society. He steadily per- 
severed, as a local preacher, for two years ; and in Septem- 
ber, 1797, was admitted into the New York Conference. 
Bishop Asbury ordained him Deacon in June, 1799. Bish- 
op Whatcoat ordained him Elder in June, 1801. His first 
Circuit was that of Litchfield, Conn., the members on which 
then numbered 230 ; he labored very successfully among 
them, travelling about 300 miles in four weeks. His col- 
league was Rev. E. Canfield. 

So closely, he writes, was my time employed, that it was about 12 



406 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



weeks from the time that I took the Circuit before I could visit my 
wife and little son, whom I had left at the house of her father, in 
New Haven, and the last quarter of this same " Conference year," (as 
Itinerancy was our glory,) my good Presiding Elder changed my 
field of labor to Pittsfield Circuit, in Massachusetts and Vermont ; 
and I was another 12 weeks from my dear family. This Circuit 
had then 250 members. God was with me there and the quarter 
was spent happily. In 1798, I was stationed on Redding Circuit, 
in Fairfield County, Conn., — alone on a 4 weeks Circuit 150 miles 
round, and 24 appointments. I soon made it a two weeks Circuit, 
preaching 24 times a fortnight, and then crossed the Housatonic River, 
on a visit home to New Haven, 15 miles east, on Saturday and early on 
Sabbath morning, started for my Sabbath forenoon-appointment, 20 
miles from my home ; then I was at home once a fortnight, after preach- 
ing 24 sermons in two weeks and riding 180 miles. This was my regu- 
lar work for the nine months of my service on Redding Circuit; the 
time of Conference that year was changed from September to June. 

In 1799, lie was stationed on Pomfret Circuit, Tvhich was 
partly in Connecticut, partly in Massachusetts, and partly in 
the north part of the State of Rhode Island, and contained 
but 160 members. In this field he had the happiness of 
witnessing a good revival, especially at Eastford, Thompson, 
Ware and Bloomfield, where he formed a new class of 7 
members, which soon grew to 12 members. Asa Kent, 
Isaac Bonney, David and Joshua CroweU, preachers who 
afterwards entered the travelling connection, were all the 
fruits of this revival. 

In the year 1820, writes Mr. Thatcher, I was stationed in NeAv 
Haven, my only appointment in New England, except Middletown, 
from 1799 till 1820 ; mine was like Jacob's absence from home while 
in Padan Aram. Here I found that a site had been voted by the cit- 
izens of New Haven for the Methodists to build on, at the north corner 
of the central public square of the city, right in the face of Yale 
College. What ! A noble brick building rise for the Methodists direct- 
ly in front of that great establishment ? As sure as such a thing is at- 
tempted, the students by night will demolish, as fast as the builders by 
day can erect it. Try this enterprise, Methodists, if you dare! Yes 
they dare. They came together in the name of the Lord, and they 
resolved to build Him a house, for they knew that He was with them. 
Their subscription is opened, a brother heads it Avith $500, another fol- 
lows with $300, $200 follows that, and then others with hundreds 
each, &c., astonishing their neighbors ! who said, " How is this ? " My 



SKETCHES OF PREACHERS. 



40T 



answer was, " Dont your know that the Methodists hold to works ? 
" These are some of their works ! " We must now make our strong- 
est effort, as we shall be associated with two Congregational buildings, 
one Episcopalian, and a contemplated elegant State House ; we would 
not betray the confidence of those who voted us the site, so honorable, 
in the centre of the most elegant city in the State. The corner stone 
was laid on 15th day of May, 1821. The Pastor, and a thousand others 
face a noble choir, echoing, for the first time there, the praises of the 
Most High — prophetic of the sound of that gospel which in that place 
should be blessed to the conversion of multitudes to Christ. The 
preacher wept : — the hymn was sung, the text named, and a foundation 
sermon preached. The builders proceeded by day, and the W7t-build- 
ers (students) proceeded by night! A night-guard soon defeated them^ 
the house rose, the roof " capt the climax : " but on the 3d of Septem- 
ber, of boisterous memory, our noble house was a shapeless mass of 
ruins.* Here was a trial of even Methodist faith! Did we quail ? No ! 
On the 24th of November, that house, enclosed, looked clear as the 
morning, and (to some) terrible as an army with banners. This was 
the Lord's doing, and it was marvellous in our eyes ! How easily can 
the Lord cast down, and then build up ; glory be to his holy name. 
Could that temple have spoken, in the day of her calamity, would it not 
have quoted the Prophet Micah, 7:8: "Rejoice not against me, O 
mine enemy ; when I fall I shall arise ; when I sit in darkness, the 
Lord shall be a light unto me ! " Yes, in less than nine months from the 
night of its catastrophe ; the voice of praise, prayer, and preaching by 
Rev. J. Summerfield, and an overflowing audience, told the story of its 
triumph ! Here I witnessed the prosperity of the work of the Lord ; 
the membership numbered nearly 500. 

His subsequent appointments, down to 1840, were as fol- 
lows : Philadelphia, Newark, N. J., Trenton, N. J., Philadel- 
phia District, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., New Haven, Conn., 
Newburg, Hudson, Flushing, WilHamsburg, N. Y. 

In 1840, I was stationed, writes Mr. Thatcher, in my native town, 
Norwalk in Connecticut, a good congregation, the communicants 180. 
I was now over three score and ten years of age ; and being an old 
man, I could not expect to meet with a pleased people, yet truly my re- 
ception among them was kind, and I soon found myself at home with 
them ; this was one of the 24 appointments of Redding Circuit, when 
in 1798 I travelled it. Then my church was a school-house, now it 
was a respectable Methodist meeting-house. I labored with and for 
this people faithfully, and they in turn used me very kindly, but alas ! 
I saw but very little fruit of my labor; the public excitement hurt us, 
and the " Old man " was off at the end of one Conference year, and 



* Prostrated by a remarkable tempest. 



408 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



more agreeably stationed in 1841-2, in Woodbury, a town in Litchfield 
county, in the same State. Here God favored me with a revival, 35 
souls joined as the fruit of it. I found 106 in membership, and at the 
close of that year returned 140. My second year was not as success- 
ful as the first ; the error of Millerism was the Devil's instrument to 
hurt our harmony and prevent a revival : and as I could not sympa- 
thize with w/!f?-a- Abolitionism nor Millerism, so I was left to mourn be- 
fore God their effects on the peace of the church, the first in Norwalk, 
and then in Woodbury. 

He was afterward appointed to Milan and Pleasant "Valley, N. 
Y.,in 1843, and Duchess, N. Y.,in 1844-5. In 1846 he was 
superannuated, after an Itinerant ministry of half a century, 
lacking one year. He resides at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., in a 
happy and sanctified old age, beloved by all who know him, 
and sheding around the sphere of his retirement the bright 
and genial influence of a remarkably cheerful temper and 
joyous piety. During his long and laborious life he has been 
able, by rigorously economizing his time, to acquire extensive 
general knowledge and considerable proficiency in the orig- 
inal languages and exegesis of the Scriptures. His pulpit 
exercises have always been lively, instructive and impressive. 
The great doctrine of Christian sanctification has been his 
favorite theme. He has done good service to the church, and 
many redeemed souls, saved through his instrumentality, wait 
to welcome him to the rest that remaineth for the people of 
God. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 



TRAVELS OF ASBUEY AND LEE IN 1798. 

Asbury and Lee return to New England — Hadam — New London — Norwich - 
Cranston — Warren — John Hill — Waltham — New Hampshire — Maine — Success 
of the Year — Increasing vigor of Methodism — Revivals — Returns of Members. 

Immediately after the conclusion of the Wilbraham Con- 
ference, Lee, agreeably to the vote of that body and the re- 
quest of Asbury, hastened to New Rochelle, N. Y., where the 
Bishop was awaiting him. Thence they journeyed southward 
through all the Atlantic States as far as Georgia, visiting the 
churches and attending Conferences, Lee bearing the burden 
of business in the latter, and preaching throughout the 
route, that he might relieve his enfeebled friend. 

He returned to New York, laboring night and day on the 
way, and on the 9th of July, 1798, left that city again for 
New England. On his route, Asbury and Joshua Wells over- 
took him. They tarried together over night, at New Ro- 
chclle, Asbury being still quite unwell. On the 13th they 
entered Connecticut, and by the 17th were at Hadam. 

" We came," says Asbury, safe to Father Wilcox's, where 
35 409 



410 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



we had many tokens of love shown us, to make rest comfort- 
able. Thursday 19th. At four o'clock, brother Lee gave a 
warm, encouraging sermon from I. Cor., 15: 58. At the 
new meetmg-house, (properly West-Hadam,) where the 
Methodists are upon free principles, I added a few words ; 
and then began our march to New-London." 

They reached the latter place the same night. " We put 
up," says Lee, " at brother Gale's. He informed us that 
they had just been raising the frame of a Methodist meeting- 
house, that afternoon, in New-London. I hope this will be 
profitable to the souls of the people, in some future day, and 
that the society here will prosper more than ever. 

They tarried in the city several days. Asbury preached 
twice on Sunday, in the court-house. " I was greatly assist- 
ed," he says, " in mind and body." On Monday, Lee 
preached and laid the foundation stone of the meeting-house 
which the brethren of New London had been endeavoring to 
provide through many and most discouraging difficulties. 
Having comforted the feeble church they passed on to Nor- 
wich, where Asbury observes, there is a growth of religion 
on this Circuit, but it is like ploughing among rocks and 
stone walls." The society came together to receive them. 
Lee and the Bishop delivered exhortations, after which, " we 
had," says Asbury, " a speaking and living time among the 
brethren and sisters." On Tuesday 24th, they were at Can- 
terbury where they found " the life of religion among the 
people." The next day they reached Gen. Lippett's, at 
Cranston, R. L, late in the evening, and were received to the 
bountiful hospitality of his family. They tarried here four 
days, preaching to and counselling the young church, which 
had been formed in the neighborhood. They were at "War- 
ren, on Monday, entertained by Martin Luther — a name prec- 
ious in the history of Methodism in that town. Asbury was 



ASBURY AND LEE IN 1798. 



411 



afflicted to find here John Hill, once a laborious Itinerant in 
Delaware, and afterwards in New England, but now with- 
drawn from the communion of his brethren. "Who," he ex- 
claims, " would have thought this once ? " 

Mr. Hill entered the congregational ministry, as we 
have elsewhere noticed, became dejected and died by his own 
hand. 

Tuesday, 31st, continues the Bishop, we came upon Rhode Island ; 
stopped at Matthew Cook's, dined, and then came to our little meeting- 
house, and had a good season on Heb. 10 : 38, 39. Rhode-Island is by- 
far the most beautiful island I have seen. I have been very low, and 
v/eak and feverish of late : I can hardly write, think, read, preach, ride, 
or talk to purpose. It is a little trying to be with people who are healthy, 
active, and talkative, when you cannot bear a cheerful part with 
them. 

Thursday, August 2d. I returned to the north-east end of the Is- 
land, where we have a small meeting-house, and some gracious souls. 

Friday, 3d. We preached at Bristol ; my subject was Luke 18:7. 
It was to me a serious, comfortable time : what but the mighty power 
of God and the increasing cries of his people can help us here ? 

Sunday, 5th. We came to Easton ; here we have a new house built. 
I felt exceedingly weak after riding ten miles ; the evening was very 
warm ; I however gave them a discourse on II. Tim., 2 : 19, and pass- 
ed the night in some bodily distress. 

Tuesday, 7th. I rode twenty-two miles through heat and hunger to 
Boston : here I spent one night, very unwell in body, and with pains 
and pleasures of mind, upon account of the preachers and people. 

A malignant fever was prevailing in Boston, and as his 
health was much enfeebled, he was advised to retire to the 
home of Pickering, at Waltham. He went thither on 
Wednesday the 8th, and exclaims, amidst its beauty and 
bounty, " 0 ! a solitary house and social family ; a comfortable 
table, pure air, and good water are blessings at Waltham." 
He continued there several days. 

On Monday he departed for Maine. On his route he 
was grieved again to learn that another was retreating 
from the Itinerant legion, tired of its hard conflicts. Elias 
Hull, he tells us, was negociating an arrangement with a 



412 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



Congregational diurch for a comfortable settlement. Mr. 
Hull succeeded in the negotiation, but he too changed for the 
worse, and was subsequently expelled from his church — a 
drunkard : sad lesson, too little remembered in our day, by 
the many who, for unjustifiable reasons, disturb the church, 
and bring the reproach of fickleness and avarice on them- 
selves by recreance to vows solemnly plighted to their breth- 
ren. 

On Saturday, 18th, they rode to Presumscut River, in 
Maine, and " stopped at Father Baker's. Sabbath day," 
says Asbury, " I preached in the barn on ' Now is the ac- 
cepted time, and now is the day of salvation.' Here we have 
the frame of a good meeting-house erected upon a beautiful, 
spot." On the 22d they reached Monmouth. 

Thursday, 23d. I was at home, says Asbury, at Brother Fogg's 
he and his wife are pious souls ; such, with an increase, may they live 
and die ! I had taken cold in crossing the mountain, which was rocky 
and uneven. I preached in the open meeting-house to a congregation 
of people that heard and felt the word. My subject was Eph. 6: IS- 
IS. I was raised a small degree above my feeble self, and so were 
some of my hearers. We rode that evening to Hopkin's, in Win- 
throp,where meeting was appointed in the Congregational house : as the 
day was damp, and myself sick, I declined ; and brother Lee preached, 
and the people said it was a good time. 

Saturday, 25th. We had to beat through the woods between Win- 
throp and Readfield, which are as bad as the Alleghany mountains, and 
the shades of death. We have now laid by our carriage and saddle, to 
wait until Wednesday next for Conference — the first of the kind ever 
held in these parts, and it will probably draw the people from far 
and near. 

Thus ended the ecclesiastical year 1797-8. It had been 
the most prosperous one recorded thus far in the history of 
Methodism, in New England. Wide spread revivals had pre- 
vailed, and the struggling cause had every where advanc- 
ed — augmenting its membership by more than one third. 
The Circuits were not increased much in number, but greatly 
extended, especially in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, 



ASBURY AND LEE IN 1798. 



413 



tlie former of which, though it had hitherto yielded no re- 
turns, now reported a considerable membership. Many new 
societies had been organized in all the New England States, 
several chapels erected, and a large band of local preachers 
formed and brought into effective co-operation with the trav- 
elling ministry. The plans which had hitherto been incipient, 
now began to develope their power and results. There was 
a growing consciousness of stability and vigor, in the new 
communion, of no small importance to its efficiency ; and the 
doctrines of Methodism — so liberal and yet so vital — began 
to be more generally approved, except by those who were offi- 
cially interested in the maintenance of the theology which 
had hitherto prevailed. 

The truth had prevailed victoriously among the new settle- 
ments in the wilderness of the Penobscot. The people wel- 
comed the joyful sound, scores were awakened and converted, 
and more than a hundred and fifty received into the church. 
The divine flame had also spread along the banks of the 
Kennebec, and many had been turned from darkness to light. 
Great multitudes had been awakened and converted on Cape 
Cod ; and in Connecticut, especially, the excitement extended 
as fire in stubble ; Middletown, New London, Tolland, Red- 
ding and Litchfield Circuits had made rapid advances, not only 
in numbers but in personal holiness, and in the provision of 
chapels. 

The quaint and interesting Hibbard, had been called out 
during the year from the local ministry, to assist the preach- 
ers on Pittsfield and Litchfield Circuits. He has left us an 
account of the revivals there, in which he says : 

I think more than one hundred were awakened on these two Cir- 
cuits. But some joined the Presbyterians, and some the Baptists, 
and some the Methodists. The work of God in convicting 
and converting-, and sanctifying souls, was verv evident. Perse- 

35* 



414 



MEMORIALS OP METHODISM. 



cution raged some on Litchfield Circuit. The work of God was man- 
ifested in power, — sometimes they fell as one shot down in battle, 
and would lay Avithout strength from half an hour to two hours, when 
they would arise happy in God. Our Presbyterian brethren and others, 
were afraid it was a delusion. And a revival of religion, having those 
extraordinary signs attending it, was highly necessary to confound 
dead formality. Some conversions were extraordinary. In one place 
I preached in a private house, where the man and his wife and one 
neighbor, made all the congregation. The man and his wife profess- 
ed religion, but their neighbor did not. However, before I came again 
in four weeks, that person was converted, and had reported around by 
what means this work was wrought ; so that thereby many others 
came out, and I had about seventy to preach to, instead of three ; and 
before long, many could testify that God for Christ's sake, had made 
that preaching, which some call foolishness, the happy power of salva- 
tion to their souls. 

The returns of members amounted to 4155, a gain of 
1216. Thej were distributed as follows : 

Connecticut, 1455 ; Rhode Island, 162 ; Massachusetts, 
1194 ; Maine, 936 ; New Hampshire, 122 ; Vermont, 286. 
Connecticut had gained 254 ; Rhode Island had lost 15, 
Massachusetts had gained 281 ; Maine, 320 ; New Hamp- 
shire, 30 ; Vermont, (which had made no previous returns,) 
286. The aggregate increase of Methodists in New Eng- 
land this year, was more than three times as great as that of 
all the rest of the church throughout the republic and Cana- 
da. The Local Preachers scattered among the societies, 
amounted about this time to 25, at least.* With such results 
the laborious Itinerants wended their way from their scatter- 
ed posts, with grateful hearts and good courage, to their Con- 
ferences at Readfield and Granville, in order to plan the 
work of another year. 



* Lee's History of Methodism, Anno 1798. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 



CONFERENCES OP 1798. 

First Methodist Conference in Maine — Interest of the occasion — Reports from the 
Circuits — Sabbath Services — Asbury's Sermon — Lee's Discourse and Reflections — 
Asbury at Portland — Lynn — Waltham — Weston — Conference at Granville — Cheer- 
ing Tidings from the Circuits — Incidents of the Session — Asbury and Lee leave 
New England. 

It was found expedient, in the year 1798, to hold two 
Conferences for the accommodation of the widely dispersed 
preachers in New England — one at Readfield, Me., for the 
east, the other at Granville, Mass., for the west. 

The former is memorable as the first Methodist Confer- 
ence held in Maine. It began the 29th of August, and was 
an occasion of no ordinary interest. Methodism, though re- 
cent in the Province, had taken profound hold on the sympa- 
thies of the settlers, and hundreds flocked to the small vil- 
lage of Readfield, to witness the first assembly of its pioneers 
in their new and wilderness country. The place was thronged 
with the devout, who came to enjoy the spiritual advantages of 
the occasion, and the worldly, who were there to reap gain from 
it. Several came," says Lee, ^' in their carts, with cakes, 

415 



416 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



&c., to sell. No one interrupted us in the meeting-liouse, 
but many were walking to and fro, and paid no attention to 
the meeting." * 

The session lasted two days, Wednesday and Thui^sday. 
Ten preachers were present. Timothy Merritt, John Brod- 
head, Robert Yallalee, Aaron Humphrey^ Roger Searle, 
Joshua Taylor, Jesse Stoneman, Enoch Mudge, and John 
Finnegan ; Asbury made the tenth. On Wednesday " we 
were closely engaged all day," writes Lee, " much united in 
love and in the work of the ministry ; we had some good 
accounts from different places, of a gracious revival of 
rehgion." f Timothy Merritt cheered them with delight- 
ful news of the triumphs of the truth along the banks of 
the Penobscot ; Enoch Mudge, who had been appointed to 
Pleasant River, had spent much time with him, and they 
jointly extended the Circuit into many new settlements, the 
w^ord sped its way, and 153 souls had been gathered into the 
new societies, besides scores, if not hundreds, who either en- 
tered other communions, or as yet none. Kennebec Circuit 
had heretofore yielded no returns, but Stoneman now brought 
the report of 105 ; the Spirit of God had been gloriously 
poured out on the Circuit. Roger Searle had also shared 
largely the divine visitation on Bath Circuit, where about 
seventy had been added to the feeble flock. Such were some 
of the good accounts " of which Lee speaks. Nearly 
1000 Methodists had been raised up in the Province, though 
but about four years had passed since PhiHp Wager was 
appointed as the first Methodist preacher to labor exclusively 
within the Province. 

Wednesday was a " great day," says Asbury. The Con- 
ference began its usual business very early, and closed it by 



* Hist, cf Meth., Anno 1798. 



t Ibid. 



CONFERENCES OF 1798. 



41T 



8 o'clock, A. M., in order that the rest of the day might be 
devoted to public exercises. An immense throng had gath- 
ered in the village. At 9 o'clock, the doors of the new and 
yet unfinished chapel (the first erected in Maine) were 
thrown open for the " large number of Methodists, and none 
else." * Shut in from the throng, they held a love-feast to- 
gether. Representatives of their common cause were there 
from all the surrounding region, and from several distant 
places. " It was a good time," says Lee, " they spoke freely 
and feelingly " of their Christian experience, and renewed 
their labors with God and each other. The multitude with- 
out heard their fervent ejaculations and exhilarating melodies, 
and waited impatiently for the public services. 

At 11 o'clock the doors were opened. From " one thou- 
sand to eighteen hundred souls," says Asbury, attempted to 
get into the building ; it was a solid mass of human beings. 
The galleries, which were yet unfinished, cracked and broke 
under the pressure, producing much alarm, and slightly in- 
juring a few ; but the services proceeded. Asbury ascended 
the rude pulpit and addressed his Itinerant brethren, from 
II. Cor., 4:1,2: " Therefore^ seeing we have this ministry^ as 
we have received mercy ^ we faint not ; but have renounced 
the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, 
nor handling the word of G-od deceitfully ; hut, hy manifes- 
tation of the truth, commending ourselves to every man^s 
conscience in the sight of Grod.^^ He has left us an outline 
of his discourse on this memorable occasion. He remarked 
first on — 

" This ministry, by way of eminence distinguished from the law — 
the ministry of the Spirit and power, and the word and letter of the 
gospel : Secondly, The apostolical manner of using the ministry — re- 
nouncing the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, 



* Lee's Mem., p. 239. 



418 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

nor handling the word of God deceitfully: not seeking either worldly- 
honors, ease, or profit ; but by manifestation of the truth, commending 
ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God — to sinners 
of all characters ; to seekers, believers, men of tender and scrupulous 
consciences. Thirdly, The temptations, labors, and sufferings that 
faithful ministers have to meet with in the discharge of their duties. 
Fourthly, The support they shall have by the mercy and power of God, 
and fruit of their labors ; Fifthly, We faint not — a person that fainteth 
loseth all action ; is pale and dispirited : it is a near resemblance of 
death, and sometimes terminates in death. Unhappy the man who is 
dead and useless in the ministry ! " 

Thus did their great leader, bearing in his own person the 
marks of his unwearied labors, exhort the pioneers of Meth- 
odism in Maine to "faint not" in their extraordinary priva- 
tions and toils. They gathered strength from the veteran's 
words, and welcomed the daily journies, the incessant preach- 
ing, the wintry storms and the spiritual victories of another 
year. Lee tells us that it was a good sermon," and that, 
though the Bishop, before the meeting, appeared to be weak, 
yet during the discourse waxed " strong and courageous." 

The ordination services followed, and were witnessed with 
great interest by the throng. Timothy Merritt, Robert Yal- 
lalee and Aaron Humphrey were ordained Deacons, and 
Roger Searle an Elder.* Lee describes it as a scene of deep 
solemnity. 

The ordination being over, Lee, whose heart was full, 
mounted the pulpit and proclaimed to the multitude of Meth- 
odists present, " The Grod of peace shall bruise Satan under 
your feet shortly " — Rom. 16 : 20. A divine influence fell 
upon the assembly, tears flowed in all parts of the house. 
" My soul," says Lee, " was animated with the presence of 
the Lord. It was a precious time to many." He could not 
but feel profoundly under the associations of the scene ; only 
five years before, he wandered a solitary evangelist through 



* Lee's Mem., p. 239. 



CONFERENCES OE 1798. 



419 



the Province, without a single Methodist to welcome him, 
now multitudes were rising up over its length and breadth, 
and spreading into bands, and these were but the beginnings 
of a great work of God, which he unwaveringly believed 
would go on prosperously through all time. 

Protracted as the services had been, there was still another 
exercise before they dispersed. They took the Lord's Sup- 
per together. It was, Lee tells us, " a most solemn time ; " 
more than two hundred persons communed. " I stood as- 
tonished," he exclaims, " at the sight ! to see so many peo- 
ple at the Lord's table, when it is not quite five years since 
we came into this part of the world." 

Thus closed the first Conference in Maine. The preachers 
immediately hastened to their appointments. Asbury was 
away the same day. Lee tarried to complete some unfin- 
ished business, " thankful to God for the privilege of being 
at the first Conference ever held in the Province of Maine." 

Let us pass now to the western session at Granville, Mass., 
held shortly afterwards. 

Asbury pressed on westward with his usual speed. He was 
at Portland the Sabbath after the Readfield Conference, (Sept. 
1,) having rode sixty miles in two days," under the heat of 
the sun, and over " desperate roads and rocks." He preached 
there in the widow Bynton's back room, " to about, he says, 
twenty-five persons, chiefly women ; my subject was II. Peter, 
2:9. In the afternoon I preached to about double the num- 
ber on Phil. 3:8. I returned Sabbath evening to my very 
kind friend's house, Major Illsley's." The next day he trav- 
elled " 30 miles to Wells," on Tuesday 47 to Salisbury, on 
Thursday, 4th, he reached Lynn ; and the next day preached 
from Gal. 5 : 6, 8. He started the following day for Boston, 
but the retreat at Waltham presented a stronger charm ; 
" the heat," he says, " was excessive, and the sun met me in 



420 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



the face, so that I was almost ready to faint in the carriage : 
I changed my mind, and concluded to come on to Waltham, 
and spend another Sabbath. I missed my way a little, but 
came in about seven o'clock, riding, since two o'clock, twenty 
miles." He preached there the next' day (Sabbath) twice. 
It was the finest portion of the year, and the retirement and 
beauty of the farm tempted him to delay — a temptation 
which it would have been better for his health oftener to in- 
dulge. He tarried three days, reposing on Monday and 
Tuesday, but on Wednesday renewed his journey, and 
preached at Weston. The few brethren of that society had 
been prospered somewhat, and had built a chapel, " a well 
designed building," says Asbury. He went into their new 
pulpit and encouraged them from I. Cor., 15 : 58 : There- 
fore^ my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, immovable, always 
abounding in the work of the Lord^ forasmuch as ye know 
that your labor is not in vain in the IjordP Hastening 
forward, he reached Granville by Tuesday, 18th. 

The Conference at Granville began at 8 o'clock on Wednes- 
day, September 19, 1798, three weeks after the session at 
Readfield. It was the largest assemblage of Methodist 
preachers which had ever been convened in New England — 
about fifty being present — many of them from the neigh- 
boring Circuits of New York. " We had," says Asbury, 
" many weighty and deliberate conversations on interesting 
subjects, in much plainness and moderation ; " and he tells 
us that they " had more good accounts of the work of God 
in different Circuits." Here, as at Readfield, encouraging 
tidings were brought from all directions. On Granville Cir- 
cuit, where the Conference sat, more than forty renewed 
souls had been received into the new communion ; Ebenezer 
Stevens brought the report from Pittsfield Circuit of a gain 
of more than seventy-five ; Michael Coate could speak of the 



CONFERENCES OE 1798. 



421 



triumplis of grace on Middletown Circuit, where great num- 
bers had been awakened and converted, and forty-two were 
received into the church ; Shadrack Bostwick had seen re- 
markable displays of the divine influence on New London 
Circuit, the societies had been invigorated on all sides, and 
about one hundred members had been added to them. Da- 
vid Buck had good news from Redding Circuit ; refreshing 
showers had fallen through its length and breadth, and an 
addition of seventy-three members had been made to its 
classes. Methodism had taken root on Martha's Vineyard, 
and Joshua Hall reported thirteen members, the first returns 
from that island. The society in Provincetown having en- 
dured persecutions courageously, had at last prevailed, its 
chapel was erected, and during the last year scores had been 
converted to God within its walls, a gain of more than one 
hundred was reported at the present Conference. Ralph 
Williston brought most cheering news from Vermont ; more 
than two hundred had been received into the new societies of 
that State the past year.* There had been, in fine, a general 
outpouring of the Spirit in Massachusetts, Connecticut and 
Vermont ; and within the range of Circuits represented by 
their pastors in the present Conference, there had been an in- 
crease of about one thousand members, f 

Ten new preachers were received at this session, " praise 
the Lord, 0 my soul," exclaims Lee, as he records the fact. 
Among these young men were Epaphras Kibby , now of the New 
England Conference, Daniel Webb, of Providence Confer- 
ence, Asa Heath, of Maine, and also two remarkable men, 
generally known alike for their great labors and great ec- 
centricities, Billy J Hibbard and Lorenzo Dow. Twelve 
were ordained. The public services were impressive ; Lee 

* Lee's Mem.j p. 240. Vermont had made no returns previous to this Conference, 
t Ibid. 

X This familiar perversion of " Williani " was the real Christian name of Mr. Hibbard. 

36 



422 MEMOEIALS OF METHODISM. 

speaks of " a blessed time in preaching," when preachers 
and people were melted into tears. The Conference closed 
on Friday, 21st ; the next day Asbury and Lee " began their 
flight," as the latter calls it. They were accompanied by 
twelve of the preachers who had been designated to the 
neighboring Circuits of New York. By Sunday afternoon 
they had crossed the boundary, and the Bishop was preaching 
the same evening at Dover. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 



NOTICES OF PREACHERS. 

Appointments — Preachers — William Beauchamp — His History — Talents — Char- 
acter — Daniel Webb — Early Experience — Granville Circuit — Hawke — Norridge- 
wock Circuit — Boston — Martin Ruter — Newport — Little Compton. 

The appointments for the year 1798-9 were as follows : — 
Joshua Taylor, Presiding Elder ; Portland^ Timothy Merritt ; 
Readjield, Joshua Taylor, Jesse Stoneman ; Kennebec^ Roger 
Searle ; Bath and Union, Robert Yallalee, Aaron Humphrey ; 
Pemiscot, Enoch Mudge, John Finnegan ; Pleasant River, 
Peter Jane. George Pickering, Presiding Elder ; Warren, 
John Brodhead ; Cfreenwich, Stephen Hull ; Providence, 
J oshua Hall ; Sandwich, Epaphras Kibby ; Martha'' s Vine- 
yard, Joseph Snelling ; Provincetown, Smith Weeks ; Boston, 
Wm. Beauchamp ; Lynn, Ralph Williston ; Needham, Dan- 
iel Brumley ; Exeter, John Nichols. Shadrach Bostwick, 
Presiding Elder; Tolland, Lawrence McCoombs; New 
London, Nathaniel Chapin, Shubal Lamb ; Pomfret, Daniel 
Ostrander, Asa Heath, Chesterfield, Elijah Bachelor, Ver- 

423 



424 



MEMORIALS" OF METHODISM. 



shire, Joseph Crawford. Also, on the New York District, 
which was superintended by Sylvester Hutchiusonj were the 
following New England Circuits, viz : Vergennes, Joseph 
Mitcliell, Abner Wood ; Pittsfield, Joseph Sawyer, Reuben 
Hubbard, GfranviUe, Ezekiel Canfield, Daniel Webb ; I/ltch 
field, Ebenezer Stevens, Freeman Bishop : Redding, Wm 
Thatcher ; Middletown, Augustus Jocelyn. 

William Beaitchamp was a man of genuine greatness, one 
of nature's noblemen and God's elect. He was born in the 
County of Kent, Del., April 26, 1772. 

His father, a respectable Methodist preacher, removed in 
the year 1788 or '89, to the western part of the State of 
Virginia, settled on the Monongahela River, and after resi- 
ding there six or eight years, again removed and settled on 
the little Kenhawa River, in Wood county, Virginia, where 
he and Mr. Rees Wolfe, another preacher, formed societies. 

At an early period of his life, Mr. B. had religious impressions ; at 
the age of five years he was deeply awakened, and in the seventh year 
of his age experienced a change of heart. Having been provoked by 
one of his brothers, he gave way to anger, and for some time thought 
he had lost his religion. When about fifteen or sixteen years old his 
spiritual strength was renewed, and he then became a regular member 
of the church. Some time after he began to exhort. In Delaware, 
for a short time, he Avas sent to a seminary of learning, and acquired 
a knowledge of English grammar, and some knowledge of the Latin. 
In 1790 he taught school in Monongahela. At the age of nineteen he 
began to preach. In the year 1793, in the 2]st year of his age, he 
left his father's house on the Monongahela, and travelled under the 
presiding elder. In 1794 he joined the Itinerancy, and was stationed 
on the Alleghany Circuit, which he travelled two years. The next 
year, 1796, he was appointed to Pittsburg Circuit : in 1797 he was sta- 
tioned in New York, and in 1798 in Boston. From thence, in 1799, 
he was removed to Provincetown, Massachusetts : in 1800 he was sta- 
tioned in Nantucket. Mr. Cannon, then a local preacher, had preach- 
ed there with considerable success; as the prospect appeared 
flattering, he solicited the aid of the travelling ministry, and Mr. Beau- 
champ was sent to his help. He had not been in this station more than 
six months, when a society of between seventy and eighty members 
was raised up ; and before he left it, a large and commodious meeting- 
house was built.* 

* Meth. Mag., 1825. 



NOTICES OF PREACHERS. 



425 



In the following year, 1801, he located, and on the 7th 
of June married Mrs. Frances Russell. She was among the 
most excellent of women. In 1807, Mr. B. removed from 
Nantucket, and settled near his father, in Wood county, 
(Ya.) on the little Kenhawa. 

lie continued there, preaching with great popularity and 
usefulness, till 1815, when he removed to ChilUcothe, Ohio, 
to take the editorial charge of the " Western Christian Mon- 
itor," the only periodical publication at that time in our 
church. He had previously published his Essays on the 
truth of the Christian Rehgion," a work of decided merit in 
the estimation of good critics ; he edited the Monitor with 
conspicuous ability, and preached meanwhile at and about 
Chillicothe with eminent success. The whole community 
paid him the respect and homage due to his great talents and 
exalted character, and a remarkable revival of religion, which 
occurred soon after his removal, is attributed to his previous 
mstrumentality. He was pronounced the " Demosthenes of 
the West," 

In 1817, Mr. Beauchamp removed to Mount Carmel, 111., 
where he was employed in founding a settlement. He show- 
ed himself the truly great man in all the details of this new 
business, planning public measures and economical arrange- 
ments, devising mechanical improvements, for which he had 
a rare genius, directing the instructions of the youth and 
simplifying its modes, ministering as pastor to the congre- 
gation, and meanwhile advancing in his own personal studies 
and improvement. 

In 1822, he re-entered the Itinerant ministry in the Missouri 
Conference ; he labored successfully one year at St. Louis, 
and in 1823 was appointed Presiding Elder on Indiana Dis- 
trict, which included eleven vast Circuits, and was nearly co- 
extensive with the bounds of the State. He was sent, the 
36* 



426 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



same year, a delegate to the General Conference at Balti- 
more, and such was the impression produced by his remarka- 
ble traits that he lacked but two votes of an election to the 
Episcopal office. He would undoubtedly have been elected 
were it not for the objection that so large a portion of his 
life had been spent out of the Itinerancy. 

On his return to his District he was seized by an old com- 
plaint, an affection of the hver, and after suffering patiently 
for about six weeks, fell asleep in Christ with full hope of im- 
mortality. His biographer says : 

He was conscious of his approaching dissolution, and was fully pre- 
pared to meet it. He exhorted his wife to be resigned to the event, 
and to meet him in glory. His treasure, he said, was in Heaven. 
Numbers called to see him ; it was all peace, all calmness with him. 
A few days before he expired, Mr. Beall felt his pulse ; he asked him 
how it was ; Mr. B. said it was irregular ; he rejoiced, and replied that 
it would soon cease, to beat no more. Eternity appeared to be opened 
to his view, his work was done, and he was ready to go. A short 
time before he expired he prayed for an easy passage through the gates 
of death. The Lord heard his prayer ; and he died so easy, that he 
glided into eternity, glorious eternity ! almost before it was perceived 
he was gone. Thus expired our great and good brother, William 
Beauchamp, on Thursday night about 12 o'clock, at Mr. Joseph Peck's, 
in Peoli, Orange county, Indiana, on the 7th day of October, 1824, in 
the 53d year of his age.* 

The same writer gives the following account of his manner 
as a preacher : 

He had a little stoop of the shoulders, and when speaking in public 
his gestures were natural and easy. His voice was very uniform, re- 
markably soft in social conversation, but in argument energetic. In 
his preaching, when holding out the promises and the invitations of the 
gospel, there was a soft tenderness, a sweetness in his voice, produced 
frequently by gentle breaks, as if the rising sympathies of his soul ob- 
structed in some degree his utterance ; when a gentle thrilling sensa- 
tion appeared to move the listening multitude, all bending forward to 
catch every sentence or word as it fell from his lips. This circum- 
stance has frequently been admired. But when he became argumen- 
tative, and discussed doctrinal points, or wHen false doctrines were 
attacked^ the tone of his voice was elevated, his whole system became 



*See Meth. Mag. of 1825. 



NOTICES OP PREACHERS. 



42T 



nerved and his voice assumed a deep hollow tone, and then soon be- 
came elevated to its highest key, and fell like peals of thunder on the 
ears of the listening assembly. On one occasion the force of his pow- 
erful eloquence was fully demonstrated ; it was on a subject of contro- 
versy. His antagonist, who had sat and listened for some length of 
time, to arguments too powerful for him to answer, began to look as if 
the voice which he now heard came from another world, through the 
shadow of a man ; he rose, apparently with a view to leave the house, 
but being so overcome, he staggered, caught by the railing, reeled, and 
fell to his seat, and there sat overwhelmed and confounded, until the 
discourse was concluded, when he quietly stepped from the house. 
His manner of preaching was plain ; he seldom divided his subject 
into different heads, but took the natural division of the text. His 
sermons were deep, and made a lasting impression upon the mind, be- 
cause they were both practical and doctrinal. Holiness was his theme ; 
there was seldom a shout raised in the assembly under his preaching, 
but always strict attention was paid to his discourses, every eye was 
fixed upon the speaker, and frequently the people were all bathed in 
tears.* 

Mr. Beauchamp was an arduous student. His earlj con- 
veniences for mental culture were quite limited, but besides 
the usual variety of English studies, he became in later life 
a master of Latin, Greek and Hebrew. While yet residing 
on the Monongahela, where the school-master had never yet 
penetrated, he was so smitten with the love of knowledge, 
that when the family had retired to bed, he would stretch 
himself on the floor before the hearth, and, with torch-lights 
for candles, spend most of the night in communion with his 
favorite authors. 

His style of preaching is said to have been severely chaste 
and dignified ; no attempts at meretricious ornament or imag- 
inative effect, no boisterous declamation or far-fetched novel- 
ties of thought or diction, but a stern energy of intellect, 
logical conclusiveness, a solemn feeling, gradually rising to a 
commanding and sometimes overpowering force, were the 
characteristics of this truly great divine. He erred in not 
adhering to the Itinerant ministry, through whatever incon- 

* Meth. Mag. of 1825. 



428 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

veniences, for such abilities could not have failed to work out 
for his family all necessary temporal securities, and for him- 
self a rare career of usefulness. Had it not been for this 
capital error of his life, his name would have honored the 
history of our Episcopacy. 

Another conspicious name appears in the list of the 
New England appointments, the present year — that of Dan- 
iel Webb ; the oldest effective Methodist preacher in the World. 
He was born in Canterbury, Windham County, Conn., April 
1778. The Methodist Itinerants began to preach in that 
town about 1793 or 1794. Mr. Webb early heard Mudge, 
Pickering, Bostwick, and Merritt. They preached at the 
house of Capt. Ephraim Lyon, in the south-west part of Canter- 
bury. Very soon a class was formed, and that place was made 
one of the Sabbath appointments of the New London Circuit. 
" I have heard," writes Mr. Webb, " my father say that 
James Coleman was his spiritual father, having been awak- 
ened by his instrumentality, though converted under the la- 
bors of Enoch Mudge. I well remember the morning when 
he addressed his family, telling them what the Lord had done 
for his soul, and expressing his conviction of the duty of 
family devotion, which he then commenced, and continued to 
practice, as he was able, while he lived. 

The Holy Spirit accompanied the preaching of the Itiner- 
ants to his heart, and he was frequently almost persuaded to 
be a Christian. He formed many purposes of reformation, 
but as often broke them. 

At length, he writes, a young woman, a member of the M. E. 
Church, came to my father's house to work as a tailoress. She was 
faithful to her Lord, religion was the theme of her conversation. Hav- 
ing an opportunity one day, she said to me, " My young friend,what do 
you think of religion ? " I replied, " I think it to be a good and a neces- 
sary thing for all persons before they die." " Then," said she, " what 



NOTICES OF PREACHERS. 



429 



ol)jection have you to seeking it now?" Said I, "if I could have 
my young- companions with me I should be willing to seek it now." 
She then said, " My dear friend, do not wait for your companions ; 
you may perhaps be in your grave before they will turn to the Lord." 
These words were as a nail in a sure place. They arrested my atten- 
tion. They took hold of my heart. I began to pray, God be merciful 
to me a sinner ! I saw that it would be just in God to cast me off and 
send me to hell. I was led to cry the more for mercy ; and in about 
four weeks from the time of her faithfulness to me, in a little prayer 
meeting, the Lord spoke peace to my soul ; and the next day, in a 
wood, he gave me a sealing evidence of my acceptance with him, 
and I went on my way rejoicing. 

" Telling to sinners round, 
What a dear Savior I had found," 

and inviting them to come and taste and see the goodness of the 
Lord. This was in the year 1797, and in the month of August. 

" I found," he sajs, " that it was impossible for me to enjoy 
the comforts of religion unless I spoke of the Lord's good- 
ness, and exhorted sinners to flee from the wrath to come." 
The following spring he accompanied John Nichols, station- 
ed on New London Circuit, partly round the Circuit, and 
exhorted after he had preached. The other preacher. Shad- 
rack Bostwick, being about to exchange with Peter Yannest 
on Middletown Circuit, Connecticut, proposed to him to ac- 
company him thither ; this he also did, and on the way made 
his first attempt to preach, in Hebron, at the house of Samuel 
"Wright ; the next day he repeated the attempt at the house 
of a Mr. White, in the same neighborhood. " My first text," 
he writes, " was ' Worship God,' and the second was, 
^ He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall sud- 
denly be destroyed, and that without remedy.' I next at- 
tempted to preach in the city of Middletown, and did so fre- 
quently while going with Bro. Bostwick around that Circuit. 
Sometimes I spoke with freedom, and sometimes was almost 
confounded before the people." 

The next September, 1798, being properly recommended 



430 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



to the annual Conference in Granville, Mass., he was ad- 
mitted on trial as a travelling preacher, with E. Kibbj, Asa 
Heath, Keuben Hubbard, Billj Hibbard, Truman Bishop, S. 
Lamb and others ; and was stationed on Granville Circuit, 
with Rev. Ezekiel Canfield. That Circuit was then 200 
miles in circumference, including the towns of Granville, 
Granbj, Suffield, Westfield, West Springfield, Southampton. 
Northampton, Cummington, Ashfield, Buckland, Worthing- 
ton, Dalton, Partridgefield, Washington, Pittsfield, Lee, Tj- 
ringham, Sandisfield, Blandford, Chester, and several others. 
" We had," he writes, " to cross the Green Mountains 
twice in each round. I frequently had to dismount my 
horse, and break through the snow banks to get him along. 
We preached almost every day, besides visiting, and attend- 
ing prayer and class-meetings, so that our labors were very 
considerable. My next appointment, 1799, by the direction 
of the Presiding Elder, Brother Pickering, was Sandwich, 
Mass., instead of Martha's Vineyard, to which the Confer- 
ence sent me. This was a two weeks Circuit. The Sabbath 
appointments were Sandwich Town and Monument. The 
societies were small, and the encouragement but little — the 
germ only of the present state of things there. After labor- 
ing there about three months, the Presiding Elder di- 
rected me to Hawke, now Danville, in the south-easterly 
part of New Hampshire, where there were no Methodist 
churches formed ; but the ground had been partially broken 
up by George Pickering, Ralph Williston, John Nichols and 
perhaps others. Epaphras Kibby was also sent into that 
country about the same time, but he labored principally in 
Poplin and East Kingston. He occasionally visited me and 
I him ; we tried to encourage and assist each other in our hard 
labors and privations. We had been there but a few months 
before the Lord blessed our efforts, and a class was formed 



NOTICES OF PREACHERS. 



431 



first in Hawke and then in Poplin, and at a later period in 
East Kingston. 

At the next Conference, which was in Lynn, June, 1800, 
he was ordained a deacon by Bishop Whatcoat, and stationed 
on Norridgewock Circuit, in the District of Maine. That 
Circuit included the towns of Starts, Nor ridge wock, Canaan, 
Fairfield, Anson, and the settlements then called Industry, 
New Portland, Barnardstown, Carryatuck Falls, &c. He 
also visited Vassalborough and preached there once or twice. 
" I went," he says, " very reluctantly to the Circuit, having 
heard a great many frightful stories about the country. Set- 
ting aside the disgrace of it, perhaps I should have felt but 
little worse if I had been doomed to the State prison for a 
year. But we do not know always what is best for us. It 
proved to be one of the happiest and most prosperous years 
of my ministerial life. There was a good revival in Nor- 
ridgewock and in Industry. I left the Circuit with reluc- 
tance, sorrowing most of all" that, probably, " I should see 
their faces no more." 

At the Conference which sat in Lynn, 1801, he was ap- 
pointed to labor in Sahsbury and parts adjacent ; also in 
1802, in the same regions. In 1803, he was stationed in 
Marblehead, and in 1804 in Hawke and vicinity. His 
labors extended also to Salem, in New Hampshire. 

At the next Conference, 1805, he was stationed in Lynn, 
Mass., and preached in the old Lee meeting-house which 
stood at the east end of the Common. 

The established church of the village had not yet relented in 
its hostility, and menaces of a prosecution had been uttered 
against his predecessor, Peter Jane, for marrying one or more 
couples — members of his own congregation. Bishop Asbury 
took measures, in the appointment of Mr. Webb, to meet this 
embarrassing difficulty, by imitating some of the forms of a 



432 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



" regular settlement." " He told the clmrch," says Mr. 
Webb, " that he had appointed me to be their Pastor. They 
signified their acceptance of me as such ; and he gave me a 
charge and a token of fellow sUidJ'^ Afterwards, the preachers 
stationed in Boston and Marblehead, with their people, went 
through similar ceremonies ; and the objections to the legahty 
of marrying, solemnized by Methodist ministers, ceased. 

He continued in Lynn two years, and at the Conference 
in Eoston, 1807, was appointed, with George Pickering, to 
that city. The Conference rose on Saturday, and he return- 
ed immediately to his family at Lynn. Bishop Asbury, also, 
went thither, and lodged at Benjamin Johnson's. Early the 
next morning a committee, consisting of three of the chief 
men of the Boston church, arrived, and remonstrated to the 
Bishop against the substitution of Mr. Webb in the place of 
Mr. Merwin, who had been in the city the preceding year. 
" It Avill not do," replied the Bishop, " he will die if he stays 
there ; he must go to Newport." The committee returned 
in no very agreeable mood. At first, Mr. Webb was reluc- 
tantly received, " but," he says, Bro. Pickering and I 
went to our work with one heart, and hand in hand. He 
was foremost in every good work, and I endeavored to follow 
on. We were cordially received, after a few weeks. The 
Lord blessed our labors, and many souls were brought to the 
knowledge of the truth — considerably over one hundred, I 
believe. Our brethren in the ministry, T. C. Peirce and T. 
W. Tucker, were converted this year." 

The church was in debt three or four hundred dollars 
for the expenses of the last year. By the blessing of 
God on the means that were used, the debt and all the ex- 
penses of the current year, were paid ; and, as a society, at 
the conclusion of the year they owed nothing. 

At the Conference of 1808, he was reappointed to Boston, 



NOTICES OF PEEACHERS. 



433 



mth Martin Ruter for his colleague. " He, being a widower," 
says Mr. Webb, " boarded with me. He was a man of a rather 
feeble constitution, much devoted to God, of much more than 
ordinary preaching abilities, and very much loved and re- 
spected by the people. He was very studious — a self- 
taught scholar. He was not only well acquainted with his 
mother tongue, but had a good knowledge of the Latin, 
Greek, Hebrew and French languages, and that year paid 
some attention to the Arabic and Persian. He was versed 
in theology, and well read in the history of the church. 
We labored in harmony and peace, and had prosperity. 
Near the close of the year we found that an extra exertion 
must be made, or we should leave the church in debt. Ac- 
cordingly, a steward's report was made out, and read at the 
last love-feast, by which it appeared that several hundred 
dollars were wanted to square off our church concerns. The 
question was asked in the love-feast. What shall be done ? 
One replied, circulate a subscription. In the course of a 
few days, all the bills were paid, and the church again free 
from debt. Brother Ruter and I could then sing, * Hitherto 
the Lord hath helped us ; the Lord hath done great things 
for us, whereof we are glad.' Souls had been converted — 
the church had been edified and built up on her most holy 
faith ; and Methodism stood as fair and prominent in Boston 
as it had ever done." Such was the result of Bishop As- 
bury's obstinacy. Messrs. Ruter and Webb departed to 
other fields at the end of the year, (in 1809,) with the affec- 
tions and regrets of the church. The evening before the 
latter left for his new appointment, the brethren pressed into 
his house with blessings on their tongues and in their hands ; 
many had been converted during the year, among whom were 
several who became preachers ; fiscal embarrassments had 
been thrown off, and all the interests of the society invigorated. 



434 



MEMORIALS 



OF METHODISM. 



" The next morning," says Mr. Webb, about three 
o'clock, we went on board the stage bound to Newport. Our 
goods having arrived, we took a tenement, and were once 
more pleasantly settled. The church was small, — but about 
thirty in number, — and the congregation considerable — the 
meeting-house large and good." 

Mr. W. continued in Newport two years, as an effective 
man ; and then, it being not convenient for him to remove, 
because of some family circumstances, by the advice of his 
Presiding Elder he asked and obtained a supernumerary re- 
lation, and continued in the same place another year. 

He continued two years longer in the travelling min- 
istry, during which he was stationed at Lynn. His fami- 
ly had become burdensome, and as little provision was then 
made for the support of married preachers, he was under the 
necessity of locating in 1814. He removed to Newport, 
where he spent nine years as a local preacher, supplying the 
place of a travelling one, and teaching school, meanwhile, for 
his support. At the expiration of this interval, he was readmit- 
ted to the Conference, and appointed for two years to Newport. 
" While there," he writes, " I preached nearly as much as 
any of the travelling preachers, and taught a large school the 
most of the time, so that I had the work of two men on my 
hands. We were blessed with several good revivals of re- 
ligion. During the term of my location, a family by the 
name of Sisson moved from Newport to the town of Little 
Compton, R. I., and I and other preachers were invited to 
visit and preach to them. This was the means of introducing 
Methodism into that place, and of raising up a society there ; 
which, though comparatively small, continues till this day. I 
baptized nine adults belonging to that family in one day, viz : 
the father, mother, uncle, son, daughter-in-law, daughters, 
and a hired man ; several others of the family were baptized 
afterwards." 



NOTICES OF PREACHERS. 



435 



In 1825, he was appointed to Providence, R. I. His sub- 
sequent appointments have been Springfield, Boston as pub- 
lisher of Zion's Herald, Nantucket, Fall River, New Bed- 
ford, New Bedford District as Presiding Elder, New London, 
Charlestown, New Bedford again, and Watertown Mission, 
At the latter place he was afflicted with dangerous illness, 
and the next year was returned on the superannuated list, but 
recovered sufficiently before the close of the year to take 
charge of the Danvers society. He was afterwards sent to 
Ipswich, Mass., Little Compton, R. L, Fairhaven, Head of the 
River in Fairhaven, and Whittenton Factory in Taunton, 
Mass. In several of these appointments his labors have been 
attended by extensive revivals of religion, and the fruits of his 
ministry are found abundantly in various parts of the church. 

Mr. Webb has been distinguished among us by the un- 
sullied purity of his character, his unpretending but cordial 
manners, the perspicuity, systematic arrangement and evan- 
gelical richness of his pulpit discourses, and his steadfast in- 
terest for primitive Methodism. He has shared fully in the 
trials as well as the triumphs of our cause, and is venerated 
as a faithful and beloved veteran, worthy of the pecu- 
liar honor which he bears, as the oldest effective Methodist 
vreaeher in the world. 



CHAPTER XXX. 



NOTICES OF PREACHERS. 

Epaphras Kibby — George Roberts — Sandwich — Readfield Circuit — Itinerant Hardships 

— Revival at Monmouth — Hallovirell — Persecution — New Bedford — Provincetown 

— Joshua Soule — His Early Life — Itinerant Labors — Book Agency — Election to 
the Episcopacy — Characteristics — Elijah Bachelor. 

Epaphras Kibby was born in Somers, Conn., in 1777. He 
was blessed with a pious mother, whose instructions produced 
in his mind early and strong religious impressions. In his 
eighth year he was awakened by the Spirit of God, and sought 
the divine mercy with tears. He afterwards relapsed into 
carelessness, but on hearing George Roberts, was again 
aroused, and so profoundly convicted that he found no relief 
till he received the inward witness that his sins were forgiv- 
en. " One sermon," he writes,* " from this powerful, elo- 
quent man was all-sufficient, under the divine Spirit, to rouse 
my guilty soul, and to extort the cry, ' What shall I do to be 
saved ! ' " It is a little remarkable that the sermon which 



* Letter to the Author. 



436 



NOTICES OF PREACHEKS. 



43T 



produced this effect, was on a controversial occasion. A Uni- 
versalist clergyman visited the town to scatter his pernicious 
tenets. Mr. Roberts heard him in the court-house, and per- 
ceiving the dangerous plausibihty of his discourse, announced 
a rejoinder in the evening at the same place ; a crowd assem- 
bled to witness the rencontre. Roberts was a man of great 
earnestness and power, he not only confounded the logic of 
his antagonist, utterly baffling him before the assembly, but 
dealt home such resistless admonitions to the latter, that 
some thirteen or fourteen young men were awakened on the 
spot. 

" I felt," says Mr. Kibby, " as I never did before. I prayed, I tried to 
weep, but I could not. I tried to repent, but my heart was as hard as a 
stone. And thus, for three weeks, I went with my head bowed down 
like a bulrush, attending all the meetings, sometimes spending the 
whole night on my knees in prayer, carrying about a body of sin and 
death, until I once rose up in meeting, to tell the sympathizing Chris- 
tians that in my case there was no hope. But before my lips pronounced 
the words, the power of God fell upon me. I sunk into my chair. 
Rays of light, heavenly and divine, fell upon my dark understanding. 
The love of God filled my whole soul ; the Holy Ghost descended upon 
the people, and the shout of a king was among us. O, what a day ! a 
day never to be forgotten. My captivity was turned and Israel was 
glad." 

This was in 1793. He immediately joined the little com- 
pany of Methodists in New London. The Circuit preachers 
in their occasional visits, perceived his talents and graces, and 
intimated their impressions that it Avas his duty to preach. 
He felt, however, his lack of qualifications, and gave no heed 
to the suggestion. Before long, Wilson Lee met him at New 
London. 

" He was a man of great faith, mighty in the Scriptures, and full of 
the Holy Ghost. He did not, like others, ask the question, Does not 
God call you to preach, but affirmed that it was so, and that I must obey 
the call. This gave me no little trouble. I tried to shake it off, but 
could not. 1 felt so uneasy about it, that sometimes I could wish that 
Paul had forgotten to write on his parchment, L Cor, 9: 16," 

37* 



438 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

He subsequently removed to Suffield, Conn. Learning of 
a meeting, lie went ten or twelve miles to hear Joseph Mitch- 
ell preach. It was in a barn. While he was preaching, the 
power of the word overwhelmed the people in a wonderful 
manner. The place was filled with the divine presence. 
After preaching, a prayer-meeting was held at the house, to 
suppHcate a deeper work of grace. " The occasion was glo- 
rious," says Mr. Kibby. " Here, while deeply engaged in 
prayer, I became prostrate before God. Some said I was 
dying ; others that I was dead. I had much bodily exercise, 
but no satisfaction of mind. But soon after I recovered from 
this humiliating condition, I felt as I never did before. The 
love of God ran through my soul in such a manner, that I 
thought I was not only blessed in my spirit, but in my body 
also." 

This fresh baptism of the Spirit led him to think more se- 
riously of the ministry. He attended the Granville Confer- 
ence in 1798. All the preachers of his acquaintance soon 
clustered round him, and urged him to engage in the great 
work of saving souls. And from the consideration of the 
greatness of the harvest and the limited number of the labor- 
ers, he was induced to give his consent. He was introduced 
to Mr. Asbury. " After surveying me for a moment," writes 
Mr. Kibby, " he remarked, mistaking a new suit of jean for 
silk, ' They that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.' 
And, moreover, said, ^ That young man is not adequate to the 
rough work of the Itinerancy.' But the voices of the preachers 
prevailed, and I was admitted on trial. My name was read 
off for Sandmch. I told Mr. Asbury, privately, that I never 
attemjMd to preach a sermon in my life, and knew not that I 
could. I begged to be put upon a Circuit with a preacher. 
I said I was not qualified to take charge of a station, and 
could not go to Sandwich. But he was inflexible. ' Go,' said 



NOTICES OF PREACHERS. 



439 



he, * my son, and God be with you. Do the best you can ; 
an angel can't do better.' " 

He left Conference in company with a number of preach- 
ers, among whom were J. Hall and S. Snelling. The former 
stopped at Providence, the latter introduced him to his 
charge, and then pushed on to his appointment, some dis- 
tance beyond. When thus parted from all the preachers, 
and left am^ong strangers, he felt sadly depressed. On the 
way from the Conference to his station, it was a question of 
deep interest with him, whether he could preach or not, 
having never actually attempted it. But after he arrived he 
was soon put to the test. The people were so anxious to 
hear the new preacher, that they appointed a lecture for 
him the very evening of his arrival. " It was well," he says, 
" that it was in a private house. I was punctual to the time. 
The people being present, I began, and proceeded very well 
until I named my text ; then my heart began to flutter. I 
said a few words — was confounded — my mouth was shut, 
and I sat down. Well, said I to myself, you have found 
out at last whether you can preach. The people felt morti- 
fied and sorry, but there were no upbraiding looks. They 
made the best of it. They seemed still confident that I could 
preach. But I thought differently. At an early hour I re- 
tired, but could not sleep. I finally concluded to rise very 
early in the morning, before the family were up, and retrace 
my steps to my home. I fell asleep, however, dreaming of 
unpleasant things, and did not awake until the sun was high 
up. So my plan was frustrated." 

His appointment for the next Sabbath was in another par- 
ish of the same town. Here his congregation consisted of 
Methodists and Congregationalists. He resolved not to mor- 
tify both them and himself. He was determined to leave the 



440 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



field and go home. But wlien he came to two ways, one 
leading to his appointment and the other towards Connecti- 
cut, he halted. After dehberating for some time, he was un- 
able to decide. He then threw the reins of the bridle on the 
neck of his horse. The horse chose the way to the appoint- 
ment. Thus was he prevented from a course which might 
have affected his whole hfe, and the fate of scores and hun- 
dreds of souls. 

The Sabbath was the first in October, a lovely day. When 
he saw the people gathering, he felt dejected ; he sighed, he 
groaned, he prayed. But go he must. He took his hymn- 
book and little Bible under his arm and walked deliberately 
to the meeting-house, in all the self-possession that he could 
w^ish. After having gone through the introductory services, 
he announced his text, and preached with remarkable liberty, 
and to the admiration of the audience. In the afternoon he 
had still greater freedom. He was astonished at himself, and 
a murmur of satisfaction pervaded the entire assembly. Sub- 
sequently, a professional gentleman, a graduate of Harvard 
College, requested a copy of the sermons for the press, offer- 
ing to take the risk of their publication on himself. But 
he was told that not one word of them was written, and it 
was not possible then to recollect them. 

Mr. Kibby suspected a joke in the request, but it was sin- 
cere and merited. In no instance afterwards, did he suffer 
embarrassment while at Sandwich. The sympathy and ad- 
miration of the community immediately gathered about him ; 
his popularity was universal, through the three parishes which 
formed his Circuit ; the church was quickened, and the cause 
of God prospered. 

Before the year was out, he was removed by his Presiding 
Elder, George Pickering, to Needham Circuit, to meet special 



NOTICES OF PEEACHERS. 



441 



exigencies in the condition of that Circuit ; his travels there 
were extensive, and being in the winter, were attended with 
severe and most trying exposures ; his horse failed under 
them, and perished, and though he found many hospitable 
homes, especially at Pickering's comfortable mansion — the 
favorite asylum of the weary Itinerants of the day — yet he 
began to recall Asbury's declaration that he could not bear 
the rugged trials of the Itinerancy. God nerved him, how- 
ever, for the task, and he persevered. 

At the New York Conference, in 1799, he was appointed 
to the New Rochelle Circuit, N. Y., and so appears in the 
Minutes ; but immediately after the adjournment of that body, 
and before he had left for his appointment, he was sent by the 
Presiding Elder to Martha's Yineyard. In about three 
months he was again changed by Pickering, and sent to sup- 
ply a new appointment in a Congregational church at East 
Kingston, N. H. Here his talents excited general interest, 
he was called to preach in every direction, and with the true 
spirit of the Itinerancy, " went about doing good " — his ex- 
cursions taking in all the neighboring towns — Sandown, Poplin, 
Epping, Newtown, Hawke or Danville as now called, &c., &c. 
He helped to lay the foundation of our cause in all that region ; 
many were awakened and converted under his ministrations, 
for his word was in demonstration of the spirit and of power. 
Prejudice against the Methodist ministry was swept away, and 
tlie doctrines of Methodism under his lucid discussions became 
generally approved. He had to encounter, however, for some 
time, that zeal for " principles," which Lee and his associates 
so often provoked. He was met in private with grave reason- 
ing about Foreknowledge, Decrees, Election and Reprobation, 
and sometimes interrupted by sturdy speculators in his pub- 
lic services ; but he always, both by his keen logic and kindly 



442 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

spirit, silenced his opponents, and sometimes conquered not 
only their logic but their prejudices. 

Such rencontres only tended to give new interest to the la- 
bors of the youthful Itinerant; his popularity was wide- 
spread, and, in meekness of wisdom and eloquence of speech, 
he went forth through all the region round about, proclaim- 
ing the doctrines of general redemption and free salvation. 

In 1800, he was ordained Deacon by Bishop Whatcoat, at 
the L^^nn Conference, and appointed to Maine. It seemed a 
distant and appalling field to him, but he was accompanied 
and cheered on the way by a convoy of brave-spirited Itine- 
rants, Merritt, Heath, Webb, &c., all bound to Circuits in 
Maine. When he arrived, he found -a vast sphere of labor 
before him. Readfield Circuit then included Monmouth, 
Winthrop, Readfield, Kent's Hill, Montville, Vienna, New 
Sharon, Farmington, Strong, Bethel the extreme settlement 
on Sandy River, New Vineyard, Wilton, J ay, Livermore, 
Fayette, Wayne, Leeds and Green, besides many smaller ap- 
pointments. He preached and travelled every day, except 
one Saturday in each month. The roads were new and at 
times dangerous to man and beast. In one section of the 
Circuit he had to pass through a forest six miles in extent, 
at first with a guide, and subsequently by marks upon the 
trees. Frequently, he was obliged to cross frozen streams 
when the ice would not bear his horse ; but while he himself 
walked upon it, the latter, led by his hand, had to break a 
way, cutting himself with ice and coming forth exhausted 
and bloody from the struggle. In other seasons, these streams 
had to be forded or swam, often at the risk of life. In those 
remote regions he usually slept in log cabins, through the 
rude roofs of which the stars shone upon his slumbers and the 
snow fell upon his bed, forming a cover by morning several 
inches thick. 



NOTICES OF PREACHERS. 



443 



Again his spirit sunk within him. Such exposures and la- 
bors seemed impracticable ; he felt that he must retreat, but 
God interposed for him. When about to give up in despair, 
a marvellous revival of religion broke out on the Circuit ; he 
took fresh courage and went on his way rejoicing. This event 
was of too remarkable a character to be omitted here. 

While doubting and praying, respecting his duty to remain on 
the Circuit, a young gentleman of Monmouth, of high posi- 
tion in society, heard him accidentally at a neighboring vil- 
lage, and on returning to Monmouth reported among his neigh- 
bors an exalted opinion of the young preacher's talents and 
character, and particularly urged his own wife to go and hear 
him when he should arrive in their town. He himself made 
no pretensions to piety ; his lady had been deeply serious 
some time before, but had apparently lost her religious con- 
victions. She decHned hearing the new preacher; but a 
mysterious interest, which she could not repress, was excited 
in her mind by the divine Spirit. 

Some time subsequently, Mr. Kibby was called to the vil- 
lage to attend the funeral services of a child, at the Congre- 
gational church. On his way to the chapel, he dismounted 
at the house where the dead child lay, and spoke a few words 
of condolence and exhortation to the family. He noticed, 
meanwhile, among the visitors, a young lady whose counte- 
nance and whole appearance denoted profound and almost 
insupportable emotion. He felt that the spirit of God was ho- 
vering over the group, and that the place was awful and glori- 
ous — the house of God and the gate of heaven. He passed 
on to the church, to be prepared for the services by the time 
the funeral company should arrive. The edifice was small 
and unfinished, having yet no pulpit, but a table and chair 
for the speaker, and temporary seats for the singers and aud- 
ience. As he sat waiting, a divine afflatus seemed to descend 



444 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



upon him and those who had assembled, and as others arrived, 
one after another, a manifest awe seized them. He has been 
heard to say that he never before nor since witnessed a 
more direct and remarkable agency of the spirit of God. 
Soon the lady, whose emotions were so visible at the 
dwelling-house, arrived, and took a seat, tremblingly, near the 
door, but where the whole assembly perceived her. Without 
an audible expression, her countenance and demeanor exhibi- 
ted unutterable feeling, and the whole audience soon seemed 
to share it. The preacher proceeded with his discourse with 
unusual interest and solemnity. As he advanced, exhibiting 
the mercy of God, the feeling of awe which had hitherto ab- 
sorbed the assembly seemed to change, a glad and grateful 
emotion sped through the mass, a bright and glowing expres- 
sion shone on their faces, and the lady referred to, with 
streaming tears and overflowing heart, found peace with God, 
and was, as it were, transfigured before them. When they 
rose to sing, she fell insensible under her intense feelings ; 
her husband, near her, was smitten down, and dropped upon 
his seat; the presence of God seemed to overshadow the 
place, and the assembly was overwhelmed. The lady her- 
self became a devoted member of the church ; her husband. 

General Mc , subsequently experienced the saving grace 

of God, and their family is still known on the Kennebec for its 
afiluent and Christian hospitality, and its devotion to the in- 
terests of Methodism. It afterwards became the germ of the 
Methodist church in Bath. 

The influence of this remarkable meeting spread like a 
flame through the town and neighboring villages, and, indeed, 
more or less over the Circuit. Sinners were awakened in all 
directions, the saints of God shouted aloud for joy, new socie- 
ties were formed, and the older ones reinvigorated. The 
sinking heart of the preacher was fortified forever. He 



NOTICES OE 



PREACHERS. 



445 



thouglit no more of shrinking from Ms post, but went forward 
in the power and might of his mission. 

These scenes at Monmouth led to the introduction of Meth- 
odism in Hallowell. A joung man at the former, but belong- 
ing to the latter, entreated Mr. Kibby to visit that town and 
proclaim the message of life to its inhabitants. He consented, 
— passed into the village, procured a school house, and had a 
large congregation, but at the end of the service his hearers 
all retired, leaving him alone without an invitation to any of 
their homes, or an intimation of their approval or disapproval 
of his doctrines. He felt disappointed, mortified, and mount- 
ing his horse rode four miles to Augusta for a supper, be- 
lieving that he had erred in going to Hallowell. On arriving 
at Augusta, some gentlemen of high respectability, who ad- 
mired his talents, appointed a meeting for him in a hall. 
When he entered it, he found an apparently selected audi- 
ence. After the sermon, one of the hearers arose and said, 
" I approve these doctrines and esteem this man," and throw- 
ing a dollar on the table, he added, " you, gentlemen, may 
do thus likewise." A shower of silver dollars came down upon 
the table ; the preacher refused them, but he was urged and 
compelled to receive them. It was no superfluous bounty, 
but a most opportune Providence — meeting necessities 
which could hardly have otherwise been sustained. But a 
more cheering incident followed. Before he left the hall, he 
was compensated, somewhat, for his mortifying treatment at 
Hallowell. A man, trembling with emotion, took him by the 
hand and inquired, When, Sir, are you coming again to 
Hallowell?" " Never, Sir," replied the preacher. "Do, 
do, come once more," rejoined the stranger, with tears, " for 
your discourse there, to-day, has awakened my guilty soul." 
Unexpected results of one day ! 

Mr. Kibby saw the hand of God in these things. He sent 
38 



446 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



back by the stranger an appointment at Hallowell, for four 
weeks afterwards — the time of his next return to that part 
of the Circuit. When he arrived, he found that the awakened 
man had been converted. The house was crowded, and he was 
embarrassed with invitations to hospitable homes ; he tarried 
the next day and spent it in visiting from house to house, and 
nearly every family he called upon he found under the 
awakening influence of the divine Spirit. God was at work 
among the people ; a revival broke out which spread through 
the whole population, and the first Methodist society of Hal- 
lowell was formed. The two first persons — a man and his 
wife — converted in this extraordinary reformation, present 
ed their two sons to Mr. K. for baptism. They were twins, 
and scarcely distinguishable. He offered them specially 
to God in prayer, and by that holy rite. One of them now 
sleeps in his grave, in Africa the first Foreign Missionary 
of the Methodist Episcopal church. The other is yet an em- 
inent preacher of our church, in New England. 

As usual, this wide-spread interest provoked hostili- 
ty. Mr. Kibby was mobbed while preaching at the " Hook," 
one day, and the stones flew about his head, endangering the 
lives of himself and hearers, but he persisted till he finished 
his discourse. Some days afterwards, a request was sent him 
by Colonel F., to return and preach there again. From the 
respectability of the invitation, he felt safe in accepting it. 
He went, but on approaching the place of worship, saw men 
armed with weapons, moving about it. He advanced, how- 
ever, ascended the desk, and preached with his usual power. 
Meanwhile, the armed men passed in and out of the door, oc- 
casionally, but with the utmost respect. He afterwards 
learned that Colonel F. had expressed his determination to 
fight down the mob — hiring these men to meet the rabble, 
and defying the latter to make their appearance when the 



NOTICES OF PBEACHERS. 



44T 



preacher sliould return. The expedient, however, doubt- 
ful, succeeded. The word of God prevailed, the revival 
went forward, and the leader of the mob — a young lawyer 
— subsequently became converted and went to heaven in the 
triumphs of God's redeeming grace. It would fill pages 
were we to record the numerous romantic incidents and prov- 
idential interpositions which occurred during Mr. Kibby's 
travels on this Circuit. 

In 1801, he was left, at his own request, without an ap- 
pointment, that he might settle some personal business, but in 
three months was again on Readfield Circuit. Thence he 
passed to Bristol Circuit, in the same State, to supply the 
place of a preacher who had failed ; but such were his labors 
and exposures, that he entirely lost his voice in a few weeks. 
He was constrained to desist till the next Conference, which 
was held at Monmouth, July 1st, 1802. He was then ap- 
pointed to Marblehead, where he had some trials, but also ex- 
tensive success — an account of which will be found hereaf- 
ter, in our sketch of the history of that church. 

In 1803-4, he was stationed in Boston. Difficulties and 
discords had seriously injured that society, and Asbury re- 
moved him thither from confidence in his prudence and 
capability to amend the trouble. He succeeded the first 
year in effecting a restoration of harmony, and during the 
second an extensive revival took place. The chapel in Han- 
over avenue was thronged with awakened hearers, and about 
one hundred and fifty were added to the society. 

In 1805, Mr. Kibby was appointed to Providence, R. I., 
but his health failed almost immediately after his arrival. Af- 
ter languishing some time, unable to preach, he was taken 
into the country by a friend, under whose hospitable care he 
partially recovered ; thence, he went to New Bedford, where 
he was engaged to supply the pulpit of Dr. West. He tarried 



448 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

there till the next Conference, when Bishop Asburj returned 
him to the same post. But before many weeks he was called 
by the Presiding Elder to take the place of the lamented 
Peter Jane, who died in Boston. He made, however, a 
transient visit again to New Bedford, and under a sermon 
which he delivered on the text, " Is there no balm in Gil- 
ead ? " &c., an impression was produced which resulted in 
a general revival of religion in the town. He was reappoint- 
ed there, at the next Conference, and found the effect of that 
single discourse prosperous and wide-spread ; the fields were 
ripe unto the harvest. The excitement extended on both 
sides of the river, and multitudes were converted and gath- 
ered into the church. The first Methodist Society of New 
Bedford was formed hy Mr. Kihhy, in this revival. 

He was returned to the same appointment, also by Asbury, 
in 1808. In 1809-10, he was at Portland. His health had 
failed, however, and he requested a location, that he might 
repose from his labors sufficiently to regain it. His request 
was granted the next year. He spent some time at Saratoga 
Springs, and on recovering, somewhat, took charge, a part of 
the year, of a Congregational church in New Bedford, and 
(during another part of it) the Methodist society at Wood- 
end, Lynn. He was still unable, however, to do effective 
service, and continued in the local ranks in 1812, though he 
supplied the North Maiden church a part of the year. 

In 1813, he was invited to Provincetown. The sea air was 
congenial with his enfeebled constitution. By the advice of 
the preachers in Boston, and the Presiding Elder of the Dis- 
rict, and with the entire approbation of the Conference, he 
continued in that appointment during eleven years. Though 
this was a deviation from our usages, and liable to become a 
dangerous precedent, it was deemed on all hands expedient, 
under the circumstances of Mr. Kibby's health. His labors 



NOTICES OF PREACHERS. 



449 



there were greatly successful ; a most remarkable revival 
spread through the town, an account of which will hereafter 
be given in our sketch of that society. 

Mr. Kibby re-entered the Itinerancy in 1823, and was ap- 
pointed successively to New Bedford, Lynn Woodend, (two 
years and a third, as supernumerary,) Provincetown, two 
years, and Edgartown, two years. In the latter place, the 
greatest revival of religion ever known on Martha's Vineyard 
took place. It pervaded the whole community. In 1831, 
he was stationed at Ipswich, and in 1832-3, at Marblehead, 
where again he witnessed the displays of divine grace in the 
salvation of multitudes. Fifty-seven persons were converted 
in one week. The society was enlarged and all its interests 
strengthened. Mr. Kibby had been the first, and was now 
the last, to preach in the old chapel. A new one was finished 
during his present appointment to the town. 

His subsequent appointments were Duxbury, Weston, (two 
years,) Weymouth, Dorchester, Charlestown and Newton. 
In 1841, he was returned among the superannuated, where 
he still remains, a veteran of our cause, full of years and hon- 
ors. Mr. Kibby is tall, erect, and slight in person, extremely 
neat in dress, and venerable with age. His talents were of 
a very superior order. His imagination furnished him with 
vivid illustrations, always abundant, chaste, and appropri- 
ate. His reasoning was strikingly perspicuous, direct and 
conclusive. His language remarkable for both elegance and 
force. Though he never used notes in the pulpit, yet a large 
portion of his sermons were fully written — the cause, prob- 
ably, of that rich and correct diction which so eminently char- 
acterized even his impromptu addresses. He has been a fond 
lover of good literature, and abounds in general knowledge. 
His judgment has always been cautious and safe, his zeal 
steady and effective, his attachment to the doctrines and 
38* 



450 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

economy of Methodism unwavering amidst many calls and 
temptations to more comfortable stations in other commu- 
nions. "Without ambition or pretension, he attained to a rare 
popularity as a preacher in the days of his vigor. He has 
accomplished distinguished service in the church, and is en- 
deared to it, in most of New England, by precious recollec- 
tions. 

Joshua Soule, though not named in the Minutes till the 
next year, began to travel about this time, under the Presid- 
ing Elder of Maine District, and therefore pertains to the 
present period. He occupies a distinguished position in our 
denominational history. He was born in Bristol, Hancock 
Co., Me., August 1, 1781. About 1795 his family removed 
to Avon, then a recent settlement on Sandy River ; the Read- 
field Circuit extended to this remote frontier, and Enoch 
Mudge and other travelling evangehsts occasionally penetrat- 
ed to it, sounding the word of life among its sparse habita- 
tions. " The settlement," says Mr. Mudge,* " was new, and 
his father's house unfinished. Joshua had a precocious 
mind, a strong memory, a manly and dignified turn, although 
his appearance was exceedingly rustic." Youthful and un- 
tutored as he was, the doctrines of the gospel, as exhibited 
by the preachers of Methodism, arrested his attention and 
commended themselves to his opening intellect. He was 
awakened to a sense of his sinfulness and danger, and in 
June, 1797, after seeking reconciliation with God through 
Jesus Christ, with a broken and contrite heart, he found 
peace in believing. The chivalric zeal and energy of the 
Methodist Itinerants who had brought the word of hfe to his 
distant home, found at once a responsive sympathy in his 
youthful heart, and was congenial with those habits of ad- 



*Letter to the Writer. 



NOTICES OF PEEACHERS. 



451 



venture and exertion to -whicli his life in tlie wilderness had 
habituated him. He longed to share their heroic labors, and 
to go forth " into all the world " proclaiming the joyful 
sound of the gospel. The divine spirit selected and anoint- 
ed him for signal achievements in the church ; he felt that 
a dispensation of the word was committed to him, and that 
woe would be to him if he preached not the gospel. The 
excellent Joshua Taylor, who was Presiding Elder in Maine 
about this time, perceived beneath the rudeness and rusticity 
of his appearance those elements of abihty and promise 
which have since distinguished his career, and encouraged 
him immediately to enter upon his ministerial labors. He 
was then (1798) but about seventeen years of age ; an 
academy would doubtless have better befitted him, and would 
have guarantied a full repayment, in increased usefulness, for 
the delay required by a few years of study ; but there was 
absolutely none within his reach, and indefatigable habits of 
application and observation were at least a partial substitute. 
He accompanied Mr. Taylor around the District, exhorting 
after his sermons, exciting general interest by his youth and 
devotion, and not a httle by the contrast which he presented 
of rustic awkwardness with extraordinary though unpolished 
talents. 

He was received at the next Conference, and appointed, 
with Timothy Merritt, to Portland Circuit. Mr. Merritt, 
still young and vigorous, was a congenial mind, thirsting 
alike for knowledge and hohness, and their reciprocal influ- 
ence could not but be mutually profitable, so far as their con- 
tinual travels and labors would admit. After tarrying one 
year more in Maine, during which he travelled a Circuit on 
Union River, he passed to Massachusetts, and was appointed 
in 1801, 1802, and 1803, respectively, to Sandwich, Need- 
ham and Nantucket. In 1804, he returned to his native 



452 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

State, and travelled two years as Presiding Elder of the Dis- 
trict of Maine. This was the only District in the Province 
at that period ; he had, therefore, the oversight of the en- 
tire Methodist interest of that large section of New England. 
Thirteen Circuits were under his superintendence. His ser- 
mons at this time are reported to have been distinguished by 
that breadth of view and majesty of style which, in later years, 
notwithstanding some abatement through the variety of 
his responsibilities, have continued to mark with greatness 
his pulpit efforts. His word was oftentimes in resistless pow- 
er, bearing down upon the large assemblies which collected 
to hear him, like the storm on the bending forest. He shared 
fully, during his Presiding Eldership in Maine, the privations 
and hardships of our early Itinerancy ; long journeys on 
horseback, over new roads, through vast forests, in the storms 
of winter ; fording dangerous streams, lodging in exposed log 
cabins, preaching almost daily, and receiving a pecuniary 
compensation scarcely sufficient for travelling expenses and 
clothing. These were the tests, however, which made strong 
men of the Methodist preachers of that day. 

Such was the prosperity and extension of the District dur- 
ing these two years, that in 1806 it was divided, and its east- 
ern portion formed into a new District, named after the Ken- 
nebec River, along which it chiefly extended. Mr. Soule 
took charge of the latter during 1806 and 1807. The fol- 
lowing four years he travelled again the other section, then 
called Portland District. During this period Martin Ruter, 
Epaphras Kibby, Ebenezer Blake, Charles Virgin, Daniel 
Eillemore, Samuel Hillman and others of familiar name in our 
New England churches, were under his guidance ; they had 
hard struggles but glorious victories in spreading the truth 
through the wilds of Maine. In 1812, Mr. Soule returned 
to Massachusetts, and was the colleague of Daniel Webb at 



NOTICES OP PREACHERS. 



453 



Lynn, but in tlie following year was back again, travelling his 
former District on the Kennebec. He continued there till 
1816, when he was appointed Book Agent at New York ; he 
did good service for the church in this capacity during four 
years, especially by the pubhcation of the Methodist Maga- 
zine^ the appearance of which, " even at this late period," 
says the historian of Methodism, " was hailed by the friends 
of literature and religion as the harbinger of brighter days 
to our Zion." Mr. Soule was its editor ; his original arti- 
cles were sensible in thought and dignified in style, though 
betraying often those minute intellectual defects which self 
education, however advantageous in other respects, seldom 
eradicates. Its selections were peculiarly attractive and in- 
structive, and such was its success, that ten thousand subscri- 
bers were obtained the first year. 

Dr. N". Bangs took Mr. Soule's place at the book rooms, 
in 1820, and the latter was stationed in New York city, 
where he labored two years with Aaron Hunt, B. Hibbard, 
Tobias Spicer, and John Summerfield. The following two 
years he spent in Baltimore, and in 1824 was elected to the 
Episcopacy in the forty-third year of his age, and the twenty- 
sixth of his ministry. For twenty-three years he has sus- 
tained the onerous responsibilities of that office, traversing 
the continent, from the Penobscot in Maine, to the Colarado 
in Texa^, presiding in Conferences, visiting in long and 
perilous journies the Indian Missions, and faithfully laboring, 
by the many facilities of his position, for the promotion of our 
cause. 

In the discussions of the General Conference of 1844, 
which resulted in the division of the church, he attached 
himself to the party formed by the representatives of the 
South, and has since identified himself with that section of 



454 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



the church, much to the regret, if not mortification of his 
northern brethren. The transactions of that body do not 
pertain to a local record like the present. We leave them 
and the just discrimination of the wrong or right of Bishop 
Soule's subsequent course, to the general history of the de- 
nomination. 

Bishop Soule is erect, tall and slight in person, dignified 
in his bearing, but without proportionate polish in his man- 
ners. His face is weather-worn with travel, his forehead 
high but narrow, his voice strong and commanding. In the 
pulpit he is slow, long in his sermons — usually occupying an 
hour and a half for each — elaborate, almost entirely desti- 
tute of imagination or figurative illustrations, but strongly 
fortified in the main positions of his subject, and vigorous in 
his style. His discourses exhibit more breadth than depth, 
but are often overwhelmingly impressive. The dignity of 
his bearing, frequently verging on to majesty itself, gives to 
his sermons, at times, an imposing solemnity ; but on occar 
sions less congruous with it, has the disadvantage of appear- 
ing, to the fastidious at least, pompous and repulsive. 

He has done great services and endured great privations 
for the church. New England Methodists, however they 
may regret his later measures, will ever recall him with grati- 
tude and respect as one of their veteran pioneers and a noble 
son of their soil. 

Elijah Bachelor was born in Sturbribge, Mass., of de- 
vout parents, who early trained him to the fear of God. At 
the age of sixteen he was converted, but through remissness 
in his spiritual duties, lost his evidence of the divine favor, 
and continued in a backslidden state during four years. 
Smitten deeply with the sense of his danger, he returned 
again to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the 



NOTICES OF PREACHERS. 



455 



world, and sought and found reconciliation and peace with 
Grod. He soon after joined the Methodist Episcopal church, 
and entered the Itinerancy in 1798. 

His first appointment was on Chesterfield Circuit, 
New Hampshire, a sphere of great labor and severe toils. 
During the ensuing four years, he travelled successively 
on Granville, (Mass.,) Litchfield, Middletown and Tolland, 
(Conn.,) Circuits. He located in 1804, but returned to 
the Itinerant ranks in 1808, and travelled five years more 
in New York, on Pompey, Cayuga, Scipio, and Seneca Cir- 
cuits. He located at Homer, N. Y., in the Genesee Con- 
ference, in 1813. His health had been impaired by exces- 
sive fatigues in the ministry, yet he continued to labor dili- 
gently as a local preacher till his death, which took place on 
the 19th of December, 1821. During the last eight years 
of his life, he suffered much from rheumatism ; in the spring 
of 1820 he was attacked with distressing spasms, which con- 
tinued to increase in violence till he expired. In his excru- 
ciating pains, he was supported by the consolations of the 
faith which he had so often preached to others. On the day 
of his departure he " spoke with calmness of death and 
eternity."* "7 am happy, was the triumphant exclamar 
tion of the sufferer, in the midst of his agony, while his fam- 
ily wept around his bed, unable to rescue or relieve him. 
He was a man of the strictest " moral and religious integ- 
rity, pious and devout," f a good preacher, of pleasant, con- 
ciliatory manners, and very successful in his ministrations. 
A charming voice in singing aided much his usefulness, es- 
pecially in conducting social devotions. His talents as a 
preacher were considerably more than ordinary. His dis- 
courses were mostly hortative and often meltingly pathetic. 



* Melh. Mag., 1822. 



t Ibid. 



456 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

He was instant in season and out of season. Driven into 
a house in West Brookfield, by a transient rain-storm, he 
improved the opportunity to preach to those who were pres- 
ent ; his word was in power ; several were awakened, and 
among them, two who afterwards followed on his track in the 
Itinerant field of New England — Asa Kent and Joshua 
Crowell. Such is but a specimen of his promptness and 
usefulness. Many from New England have hailed him 
blessed in heaven as the instrument of their salvation. 

Thus much respecting the laborers of the present ecclesiasti- 
cal year : of their labors we know but little except the numeri- 
cal results recorded in the Annual Minutes. Both Asbury and 
Lee were absent from New England, travelling together 
through the middle and southern States, during the whole in- 
terval between the Granville Conference of Sept., 1798, and 
that of New York, in June, 1799. The latter was attended 
by the eastern preachers, as there was no further session in 
New England till about the middle of 1800. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 



RESULTS OF THE YEAR. 

Prosperity of the Year — Vergennes Circuit — Joseph Mitchell — Vermont — Massachu- 
setts — Lorenzo Dow on Pittsfield Circuit — Maine — Aggregate Membership — Number 
of Methodists in each State — Tardy progress in Rhode Island — New Hampshire — 
Hostilities — An Example. 

The year had been prosperous, though not so generally as 
the preceding one. The new Circuit of Vergennes, in Ver- 
mont, which was projected at the Granville Conference, had 
been the scene of a wide spread reformation, Joseph Mitch- 
ell had gone over it like a " flame of fire." It comprehended 
all the State of Vermont, between the Green Mountains and 
Lake Champlain, and required incredible travels and labors. 
It was a field for an evangelical Hercules, and such was 
Joseph Mitchell. His ministrations were in power, his zeal 
never flagged ; preaching night and day, travelling at the rate 
of nearly 6000 miles a year, and suffering indescribable pri- 
vations, to which were superadded not a few instances of vio- 
lent persecution, he overcame all obstacles and the word 
of life ran and was glorified through that wilderness region. 
39 45T 



458 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

Hundreds were awakened, many of whom entered other 
churches, but at least 88 were received into classes, some of 
which he now formed for the first time. 

The other Circuit in Vermont, (Vershire,) which in- 
cluded all the State east of the mountains, had also shared 
the divine influence. Under the arduous labors of Joseph 
Crawford 65 had been received in the societies, besides 
vast numbers who were awakened but had not yet joined the 
new communion. 

Three new Circuits had been formed in this single State, 
viz : Essex, Windsor and Whitingham.* The former returned 
110 members, the latter 55. Methodism had scattered its 
germs extensively through Vermont, and small classes, the 
nuclei of subsequent churches, had been formed in all direc- 
tions. 

Joseph Snelling had labored successfully on Martha's Vine- 
yard. The number of Methodists on that island, though still 
small, was nearly doubled since the Granville Conference. 
He had also visited Nantucket during the year, and witness- 
ed the conversion of many souls. 

Great results had been reaped on Pittsfield Circuit. The 
eccentric but sincere Lorenzo Dow, who had been admitted 
to the ministry at Granville Conference and appointed to 
Cambridge Circuit, N. Y., was transferred during the year to 
Pittsfield. Notwithstanding his singularities he was remark- 
ably successful ; in many places he was repulsed by the so- 
cieties, and refused the hospitalities of the families which usu- 
ally entertained the Circuit preachers ; but his unwearied la- 
bors produced in time a profound impression. He some- 
times rode more than fifty miles, and preached five sermons, 
besides leading several classes, in a single day. The aston- 



* Journals, page 59. 



RESULTS OF THE YEAR. 



459 



isTied people, witnessing his sincerity and usefulness, soon 
treated him more respectfully, and a general revival ensued. 
In Pittsneld, where at first he received no invitation to their 
homes, he sajs, I visited it extensively, and had the satis- 
faction to see the Methodists and others stirred up to serve 
God. Now they offered me presents, which I refused, say- 
ing, the next preachers invite home and treat well, for my 
sake. In Alford," he says, in his characteristic style, " I 
preached Methodism, inside and outside. Many came to 
hear ; one woman thought I aimed at her dress. The next 
meeting she ornamented far more, in order that I might 
speak to her. But I, in my discourse, took no notice of 
dress, and she went away disgraced and ashamed. The 
brethren here treated me very cold at first, so I was neces- 
sitated to pay for my horse-keeping for five weeks : and 
being confined a few days with the ague and fever, the 
man of the house not being a Methodist, I paid him for 
my accommodation. I had said in public that God would 
bless my labors there ; which made the people watch me for 
evil and not for good. I visited the whole neighborhood 
from house to house, which made a great uproar among the 
people. However, the fire kindled ; the society got en- 
hvened, and several others who w^ere stumbling at the unex- 
emplary walk of professors, were convinced and brought 
to find the reahties of rehgion for themselves. When 
leaving this place, I was offered pay for my expenses, 
but I refused it, saying, if you wish to do me good, 
treat the coming preachers better than you have done me. 
Stockbridge : here the minister of the place had done his 
endeavors to influence the people to shut the preachers out 
of the town ; but by an impression I went into one part, and 
by an invitation to another ; and though the opposition was 
great from the magistrates, yet they found no way to expel 



460 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

US out of the place ; but tlie revival began, and several were 
stirred up to seek God. Now the doctrine of reprobation lost 
ground : the ejes of many were enlightened to see a free 
salvation offered to all mankind. In Lenox the society and 
people were much prejudiced at first, but the former were 
quickened afresh." 

This eccentric man left the Circuit in a state of universal 
prosperity ; 180 had been added to the societies, and about 
500 more were under conviction for sin. The sensation was 
wonderful, and some, to this day, stand up in the church as 
witnesses of his usefulness. " "We have this treasure in 
earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of 
God and not of man." 

Extensive reformations had prevailed in Maine. Timothy 
Merritt had labored successfully on Portland Circuit. Great 
numbers had been awakened, and nearly 60 received into 
the infant societies. On Kennebec Circuit, Roger Searle 
witnessed still greater displays of divine grace, and had gath- 
ered into the church 91 new members. Peter Jane had 
the satisfaction to report 73 from Pleasant Eiver, the first 
returns from that Circuit. 

The aggregate of members, in all the New England States, 
was 4954, and the increase of the year was about 800 — 
more than two thirds of the increase of the entire denomina- 
tion. The following was the distribution of the member- 
ship, as recorded in the Annual Minutes : Connecticut, 
1497 ; Rhode Island, 196 ; Massachusetts, 1409 ; Vermont, 
604 ; New Hampshire, 131 ; Maine, 1117. 

The gains of the year were chiefly in Maine, Vermont 
and Massachusetts. In the first they amounted to 181, in 
the second to 317, and in the last to 215. Rhode Island 
still lingers tardily in the rear. It returns but 196 mem- 
bers — a gain of only 84 during the year — a declension of 12 



RESULTS OF THE YEAR. 



461 



from the number reported four years before. About seven 
years had passed since the first regular appointment was 
made in that State, and but three since Nicholas Snethen 
travelled the first Circuit in Vermont, yet the former scarce- 
ly reports 200 members, while the latter returns 604. Lo- 
cal and traditional influences obstructed and still somewhat 
obstruct the progress of vital religion in Rhode Island. 
Lee noticed the fact ; at a later date he remarks : " It is al- 
most twenty years since we first began to preach in Rhode 
Island, and at present we have only four or five hundred 
members in that State. We have had as little success in that 
place, as in any of the States where we have been ; yet we 
have not as much opposition there, as we have commonly had 
in most places ; neither are the people as much prejudiced 
against us and our plan, as they are in the rest of the New 
England States." A better day has dawned on that inter- 
esting State, and it promises to become a fertile soil for Meth- 
odism. 

New Hampshire, though now overspread with Method- 
ists, also gave a reluctant admission to its hardy Itin- 
erants. But one Circuit had yet been formed in the 
State. Three years had passed since Philip Wager entered 
it as the first Methodist preacher regularly sent thither. Eli- 
jah Bachelor reported the present year but one hundred 
and thirty-one Methodists within its limits, a gain of but 
nine since the last returns, and of but sixty-three in three 
years. Methodism had to struggle into that State. Long 
rides, bad roads, hard fare, exposure to the weather by night 
in log cabins, to perils by day in fording creeks and rivers, 
were not the only trials to which the laborious preachers were 
subjected. They were generally assailed by other sects, and 
sometimes by the mob. One of them* has furnished the fol- 
lowing example. 

* Rev. Asa Kent. 39 * 



462 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



The imprisonment heretofore mentioned of several Method- 
ists of Wilbraham, at the instigation of the parish incumbent, 

Rev. Mr. W , had reacted most unfavorably. His people 

were vexed with hearing, " Your minister sent the Method- 
ists to jail ! " and it was judged best for Mm to go away. 
Resolved to escape from these troublers of his Israel, he trav- 
elled between two and three hundred miles northward, and 
had just settled in the pleasant town of Lancaster, N. H., 
when lo! the " Phihstines were upon him agam." This 
seemed beyond endurance. There was a saying among the 
alarmed mhabitants of the country, that " wherever the Meth- 
odists get foothold, they will hold on ; " and liere it was 
judged safest to prevent their getting foothold, by ^dolence, 
if need be. It was generally supposed that the minister knew 
of the intended mob, if he did not assist in planning it. 

There was no Circuit formed in this country nearer than 
Vershire, Yt. ; but the ^ireachers had made a few excursions 
up the river. A man by the name of Rosebrook Crawford, a 
zealous exhorter, or local preacher, who had jomed the church 
in one of the lower towns, had returned to that county, 
(where his father lived,) and held meetings wherever he 
could find places. He engaged John Langdon, of Yershire, 
a local preacher, a worthy citizen, and magistrate in his omi 
county, to take a tour of appointments, and attended him as 
his guide. He had preached in the evening in Lancaster, 
and mounted his horse to go to " Father Bredin's," of preci- 
ous memory, who had belonged to the Wesleyans in Ire- 
land, and at that time Hved in Lunenburg, Yt. A man 
seized his horse by the bit, and others gathering around, 
said, "Lead on." Others caught Mr. Crawford, and 
thrusting him into a sleigh, went forward. INIr. Langdon 
said, " What do you mean by such conduct ? " " "We 
are going to have you examined by our minister, to see 



RESULTS OP THE YEAR. 



463 



if you are qualified to preach," said they, but went directly 
to the tavern. The toddy-stick was in motion, and the red- 
hot loggerhead hissed in the flip. They sported as hfe in- 
creased. Mr. L. opened a door, and found the landlord in 
the next room, and was soon convinced that he was well 
pleased with the state of things. The former sat in deep 
thought, while they drank to their hearts' content, when or- 
ders were given, " Get ready." Two men came in and or- 
dered Mr. L. to follow them. He sternly replied, " I am not 
going with you." " Then we will take you," was their reply ; 
as they went towards him, he arose, and stepping behind his 
chair, began to address them : " I have put my life in jeopardy, 
and fought for the liberty of my country, and my rights as a 
freeman and citizen no man shall wrest from me," &c., and pro- 
ceeded to give them a warm exhortation. Hearing a loud 
voice, they came from the bar-room to see what was going on. 
There stood a tall, stout man, with his chair before him in 
preaching style, and speaking strong words, with a sharp eye 
and determined countenance. He spared not the landlord, 
who was a church-member, nor his company, while he pointed 
them to the day of final retribution. They had mistaken 
their man ; and after a short consultation, one cried out, 
" We have got one, let Jdm go ; " and poor Crawford was at 
their mercy, as they rode off in high glee. When they came 
to the river, they had a little ceremony in carrying him across. 
By means of a thaw there was water on the ice, and as he 
had been so warmly exhorting and praying for them on the 
way, they concluded that he needed cooling. He was a per- 
fect non-resistant, and they laid him upon his back, and drew 
him by his hands until his clothes were well saturated. They 
brought him to the Vermont shore, gave three cheers — 
good riddance of the Methodist for ever — and returned in 
triumph. All the best citizens felt themselves scandalized by 



464 



MEMOEIALS OF METHODISM. 



such base conduct, and denounced the mob without ceremo- 
ny. However, the minister thought it his dutj to prepare a 
discourse, and set forth the doctrines, characters, and conduct 
of the Methodists, as he was so well acquainted with them. 
Whether it was to excuse or justify the mob, or from a sincere 
desire to warn the people against danger, is not for us to say. 
Report said that he showed the sermon to one of his brethren, 
a missionary, who advised him not to preach it, as he would 
thereby greatly injure himself. He thought otherwise, and 
began to preach. Soon he appeared to be troubled : his head 
was affected with giddiness, and his sight failed. Being sick 
and faint, two men led him from the house in blindness. For 
want of sight he did not attempt to preach for months after- 
ward, and never preached much more. 

Similar scenes were not uncommon in Vermont and New 
Hampshire. The hardy settlers of these wilderness regions, 
chose a more summary, but less vexatious method of suppress- 
ing the new sect than their more staid and more obstinate 
neio;hbors of Connecticut and Massachusetts. The latter im- 
prisoned, seized property, anathematized from the pulpit, and 
did so with most patient pertinacy for years, while the former 
shook their fists and swore terribly against the intruders on 
one day, and on the next were weeping and falling as dead 
men under their preaching. New Hampshire has since be- 
come a fruitful field of Methodism. More than ten thousand 
of her citizens are now embodied in its societies. 



CHAPTER XXXII. 



CONFERENCE OF 1799. 

Session of the Conference — New Circuits — Appointments — Preachers — Elijah Sabin 
— His Ministerial History — Trials — Death — Character — Elijah Hedding — His Con- 
version — Ministerial Labors — Sufferings — Character. 

As no Conference had been appointed for the eastern 
States the present year, the preachers in New England 
assembled in the session at New York, June 19, 1799. As- 
bury and Lee, returning from the southern Conferences, 
arrived in the city on Saturday, 15th. They preached there 
the next day. " It is an unseasonable day for religion," said 
the latter ; "it is time the Conference should come ; may 
Almighty God bless and o'\Yn their labors to the people." 
The session was opened on Wednesday the 19th, " for New 
York and all the New England States," says Asbury ; " it 
was crowded with work ; consequently I had but little rest, 
and what added to my pain, was brother Bostwick's laying 
sick in the next room — heat and haste ! " Lee preached 
the ordination sermon, from Acts 14 : 22 : " Confirming the 

465 



466 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



souls of the preachers, and exhorting them to continue in the 
faith, for we must through much tribulation enter into the 
kingdom of God." " This," says Snelling, who attended 
it, " was a very harmonious and agreeable Conference. Some 
of the oldest and ablest preachers were present, and the 
preaching was spiritual and powerful. One evening, towards 
the close of the Conference, we had a meeting in the Eowery 
meeting-house. After preaching, it began to thunder and 
lighten and rain very powerfully, so that the people could 
not conveniently leave the house. Brother M'Clasky called 
upon brother Brodhead and myself to sing a spiritual song. 
We began to sing, ^ We 've found the Rock, the travellers 
cried,' &c. This had a peculiar effect upon the people ; for 
before we got through the hymn there was shouting in every 
part of the house ; also several were in distress of mind for 
their , souls. Although the storm had subsided, the people 
would not leave the house. I staid till eleven o'clock, and 
then left them. We often see in our meetings the powerful 
and salutary effects of singing." * 

Lee says a large number of preachers were present, and that 
they brought " pleasing accounts from their respective Cir- 
cuits, of a gracious work of God amongst the people." 

On Thursday the usual examination of character took 
place. I was thankful," writes Lee, "to find that they 
had generally adorned the gospel in their lives and conversa- 
tion." The session closed on Saturday morning, and the 
same day most of the preachers were en route to their ap- 
pointments, some to neighboring Circuits, others to remote 
parts of Canada and Maine ; some with aching hearts, op- 
pressed with anxieties respecting the trials that awaited not 
themselves only, but their wives and little ones, others with 
buoyant courage, " rejoicing in tribulation," and hopeful of 
new victories to be won for the truth. 



CONFERENCE OF 1799. 



467 



Some of them tarried over the Sabbath, " when," says As- 
bury, " we had a charitable day at all the houses, and col- 
lected nearly three hundred dollars ; but the deficiencies of 
the preachers were almost one thousand dollars." 

Five new appointments were reported from New England 
at this Conference — four Circuits and one station, viz : 
Essex, Whitingham and Windsor, in "Vermont ; Merrimao 
and Nantucket, in Massachusetts. Merrimac Circuit was 
chiefly in Massachusetts, and lay along the river after which 
it was named. Essex was the northern section of Vergennes 
Circuit, extended and detached ; it was afterwards called 
Fletcher Circuit. Whitingham Circuit was formed of that 
part of Pittsfield Circuit, which lay within Vermont. Wind- 
sor Circuit extended from the town of that name on the Con- 
necticut River into the heart of the State. 

The following were the appointments made, at the New 
York Conference, for New England : 

Joshua Taylor, Presiding Elder ; Portland, Timothy Mer- 
ritt, Joshua Soule ; Readfield, John Brodhead, Nathan Emo- 
ry ; Kennebec, Asa Heath ; Bath and Union, John Finne- 
gan, Comfort C. Smith ; Penobscot River, Reuben Hubbard. 
George Pickering, Presiding Elder ; Warren and Crreenwich, 
Ezekiel Canfield ; Joshua Hall, Truman Bishop ; Sandwich, 
Reuben Jones ; Martha'' s Vineyard, Daniel Webb ; Prov- 
incetown, William Beauchamp ; Boston, Joshua Wells ; Lgnn 
and Marblehead, Andrew Nichols ; Needham, Stephen Hull, 
Elijah R. Sabin ; Merrimac, Ralph Willis ton ; Nantucket, 
Joseph SnelHng. 

Shadrack Bostwick, Presiding Elder; Tolland, Daniel 
Ostrander; New London, Lawrence M' Coombs, Abner 
Wood; Pomfret, William Thatcher; Chesterfield, John 
Nichols; Vershire and Windsor, Joseph Crawford, Elijah 
Chichester. 



468 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

On the New York District were, also, the following New 
England appointments : — Vergennes, Joseph Mitchell, Jo- 
seph Sawyer; Ussex, Lorenzo Dow; Pittsfield, Daniel 
Brumlej; Whitingham, Peter Yannest; G-ranville, Peter 
J ane, Elijah Bachelor ; Litchfield, Augustus Joceljn ; Bed- 
ding, David Brown ; Middletown, Ebenezer Stevens. 

Methodism comprised, then, in New England, at the close 
of the tenth year of its labors there, three Districts and a 
large portion of a fourth, above thirty/ Circuits, more than 
fort^ preachers, and about five thousand members; the 
average increase of its Circuits had been about three per 
year, of its preachers /oi^r, of its members, j^ve hundred. 

The number of preachers appointed for the first time 
to New England the present year, amounted to twelve ; 
half of these commenced this year their Itinerant ministry ; 
it seemed, indeed, to be the policy of Asbury to send 
young men into the East, (under superior leaders, how- 
ever,) that they might be tested and strengthened for the 
future by the peculiar trials which beset the Itinerancy in 
this section of the country. These stern tests either drove 
them into other ministries for easier positions, as was the case 
with Rainor, Allen, Hill, Hubbard, the Hulls and others, or 
converted them into evangelical heroes, like Roberts, Mills, 
Mudge, Pickering, Taylor, Brodhead, and Ostrander. 

One of the most distinguished among the Itinerants who en- 
tered New England for the first time the present year, was 
Elijah R. Sabin — still a familiar and beloved name — a 
man of great virtues, great talents and great sorrows. We 
are indebted to one of his friends and fellow-laborers for the 
following notes of his life 

" I think he was born in Connecticut, but his father moved 
to the western part of Yermont when he was young. He 
gave me an account of his travels under the direction of the 



CONFERENCE OF 1799. 469 

Presiding Elder, in the western part of Vermont, in 1798. 
On one occasion he came very near losing his life ; it was as 
follows : — A man lived near one of his appointments who 
was violently opposed to the Methodists — though his wife was 
one of them. The preachers had called several times at his 
house, which only increased his rage, and he swore bitterly 
that he would horsewhip the next that entered his door. Mr. 
Sabin heard of the threat, but did not believe the Lord 
would permit him to be injured. Thinking it his duty to go, 
he went, and was conversing with the lady, when her husband 
approached in a rage, and with the but end of a whip-stock 
struck him upon his head, felhng him to the floor. He at- 
tempted to rise, but was struck down a second time, and so 
stunned that he hardly realized, for a short time, what took 
place. The infuriated man would probably have dispatched 
him, but by a gracious providence a neighbor, knowing Mr. 
Sabin had gone there, and seeing the husband (whose threats 
he knew) hastening to the house, hastened also, and was just 
in time to interpose and save his life. It was some time be- 
fore he wholly recovered from his wounds, and he carried 
the scar to his grave. Mr. Sabin had imbibed the notion of 
non-resistance and concluded that if Christians would do their 
duty faithfully the Lord would take care of them. He told 
me he might have warded off the first blow if he had tried, 
and perhaps have wrenched the instrument from his oppo- 
nent's hand ; but he doubted whether the latter would strike 
him ; he declared, however, that he should never be beat 
thus again without an attempt to defend himself. In 1799, he 
was received into the New York Conference, and stationed 
at Needham, in the New England Conference, Mass. 
Brother Sabin was laborious and zealous ; rather more than 
some were pleased to have him. There was one village which 
he passed, and where he tried in vain to get a house to preach 
40 



470 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 

in. At last lie appointed a meeting under a tree, to be held 
at his next round ; but the sons of Belial were there with 
drum and fife, and beat the roll so violently that he was com- 
pelled to give it up, and retire. This his colleague brought 
against him at the Conference, in 1800. Bishop Asbury 
heard the accusation through, and replied to this effect, ' I 
am glad to learn the brother has zeal^ and is willing to preach 
out of doors, if he cannot find open doors. This was the way 
Methodist preachers began, and we need warm hearts to carry 
the work forward.' In 1800, he was appointed to Landaff 
Circuit, Vt. This was then included within the New York 
Conference, and it was some time, as he told me, before he 
could find any one who could tell him in what part of the 
world it might be discovered. He found a small class in Lan- 
daff, formed, I think, by Joseph Crawford ; he went to work, 
and such was the blessing of God upon his labors, that he 
reaped an harvest of souls, and returned at Conference one 
hundred and ninety-two in society. Mr. Sabin was the 
apostle of this upper part of New Hampshire." * 

He continued on Landaff Circuit two years. His labors 
and exposures there prostrated his health, and in 1802 
he was returned among the supernumeraries. Li 1804, he 
located, but on partially regaining his health, in 1805, he 
took charge of the Vermont District, which he travelled two 
years, with Elijah Hedding, Philip Munger, Joel Steele, Asa 
Kent, Oliver Beale, and other similar men under him. Li 
1807, he was appointed Presiding Elder of New London Dis- 
trict, which comprehended Rhode Island, large portions of 
Connecticut and Massachusetts, and reached into New Hamp- 
shire. After laboring on this extensive District two years, he 
was sent to Boston as colleague of Philip Munger. He con- 
tinued there two years and was appointed, in 1811, as super- 



•♦ Letter of Rev. A. Kent to the Writer. 



CONFERENCE OF 1799. 



471 



numerary to Boston and Marblehead, with Elijah Hedding 
and Erastus Otis. His feeble health again sunk under his 
labors, and in 1812 he was compelled to retire into the local 
ranks. He removed to the Penobscot River, where he con- 
tinued till 1817, when, his health rapidly declining, he was 
advised by physicians to try the efiect of a southern chmate ; 
he went to Augusta, Ga., where, after lingering a number of 
weeks with pulmonary consumption, he died in the triumps 
of faith. About one month before his decease, he addressed 
a letter to his brethern of the New England Conference 
through the venerated Bishop George, in which he said: 
"0, how sweet is the love of God in the midst of afflic- 
tion ! 0, brethren, come magnify the lord with me, come let 
us exalt his name together ! God has been pleased, of late, 
to lead my mind into a state of divine composure and calm- 
ness ; by which, in some degree, I feel my will sunk into his, 
and am more and more disposed to resign all into his hands, 
even for life or death. — Such was my situation by spasms 
in the stomach, for several hours, that I thought seriously of 
going suddenly into the presence of my Judge ; but I was 
not terrified — peace had its residence in the soul. Forever 
praised be the name of our God ! I'll praise him while he 
lends me breath ! — I leave these lines as my best, and 
perhaps my last pledge of love, addressed to my fathers and 
brethren of the New England Conference." 

The Rev. S. Dunwody, who was then stationed in Augusta, 
and attended the last moments of this devoted man, thus 
describes the closing scene of his laborious and afflicted life : 

On Monday, April 28, he said he had a calm confidence in 
God, but not such a sense of the divine fullness as he wished. 
In the meantime his bodily strength was so far exhausted that 
he could scarcely speak above a whisper ; about sunset he ob- 
tained an uncommon manifestation of divine love. He broke 



4T2 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



out in praising God in such a manner as astonished all around 
him ; his strength of voice was increased so as to be heard 
all over the house. ' This,' said he, ^ is worth praying for.' 
One of his expressions was, ' If this hedying.it is very pleas- 
ant dying.^ To a number of us who stood round his bed- 
side, he said, he would not exchange his situation for the 
healthiest among us. Next morning he asked the time 
of day, and being told it was half past eight, he said 
he hoped to be in heaven by twelve. His life, how- 
ever, was prolonged a few days more. On Saturday 
night he slept tolerably well, till about half past one 
o'clock ; he was then waked up with coughing, which threat- 
ened immediate suffocation. About daylight he breathed 
easier, but his end visibly approached. Feeling himself draw- 
ing very near to eternity, he was heard to say, ' 0, the pain, 
the bliss of dying ! ' and in a few minutes his happy spirit took 
its flight to that rest that remains for the people of God." 

Such was the end of Elijah R. Sabin. He was above the 
ordinary height, very erect and slender, with a highly intel- 
lectual forehead and a briUiant eye. " A pleasant smile," 
says our correspondent, "played upon his countenance 
while in conversation or in preaching, except when he spoke 
of God's abhorrence of sin and the fearful doom which 
awaits the ungodly — then his countenance told that the sub- 
ject pressed upon his soul. He excelled in pathetic appeals. 
When his heart overflowed with pity for sinners, and he be- 
came ardent in exhortation, his voice became soft and plain- 
tive, and he fell into a kind of tone peculiarly his own, a flow 
of words well chosen fell from his lips, and every feature and 
gesture combined to impress the hearers with deep interest — 
a stoic only could remain without emotion. He had a very dis- 
criminating mind — he well understood our doctrines, and was 
powerful in controversy. Calvinistic sophistries withered be- 



CONFERENCE OF 1799. 



473 



fore him. He was a man of great faith, and was very pow- 
erful in prayer ; he helped me much on the subject of faith. 
On one occasion a society was nearly equally divided by a 
discord, and two class leaders led the parties ; much jeal- 
ousy and surmising had increased the ahenation, and much 
labor for harmony had been spent in vain. Mr. Sabin got 
them together and told them they must carry the matter to 
God in earnest prayer — that each must pray, and carry his 
case into the presence of a holy God, &c. He prayed, and 
called on others to pray — and they prayed again and again, 
until the Spirit descended, and one (if not both) of the 
leaders of the parties fell to the floor — the room was full 
of the glory of God — they began to confess, to weep and 
to pray the Lord to forgive them. In this way harmony was 
restored, without their ever talking over the matter." 

In addition to his great labors and ill health, Mr. Sabin 
had to sustain through the latter portion of his life the more 
intolerable burden of domestic wretchedness ; he was tried 
in the fire, but was purified by the trial, and after a troubled 
and weary pilgrimage, escaped safely to the repose of hea- 
ven, as a bird from the snare of the fowler. 

Elijah Hedding, though his name does not appear in the 
Minutes till a later date, commenced travelling this year by 
the direction of the Presiding Elder, and therefore comes under 
our present notice. He was born in Duchess Co., N. Y., but 
removed with his parents, at about his tenth year, to Starkcs- 
boro', Vt. The Methodist Itinerants had not yet penetrated 
thither, but an aged Methodist and his wife — ? a mother in 
Israel — had removed to that town from Connecticut, and, 
though remote from any members of their chosen commu- 
nion, and several miles from any church whatever, they let 
their light so shine that their neighbors saw their good works 
and glorified their father which is in heaven. The church 
40* 



474 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



is indebted for the services of tMs distinguished veteran of 
its ministry, to the instrumentality of the elect lady alluded 
to. Meetings vrere opened in her humble dwelling two or 
three years before the arrival of our preachers. There was 
no one in the neighborhood, at first, capable of praying in pub- 
lic, except herself and her husband, who was a devoted man 
of moderate abilities. They induced young Hedding, then 
about 16 years old, to assisi them in their Sabbath services. 
Though uninterested in religion, he consented to read a sermon 
every Sabbath to the assembled neighbors — the good man of 
the house beginning and concluding the exercises with sing- 
ing and prayer. The latter was abundantly furnished with 
Wesley's works and other Methodistic publications ; by his 
public Sabbath readings, the youthful Hedding became 
thoroughly acquainted with the doctrines of Methodism, and 
was so struck with their evangehcal richness and practical 
appropriateness, that he soon read all the other books in the 
cottage of the pious couple. He has been heard to say since, 
that this was the best theological training he ever enjoyed. 
His first permanent religious impressions were produced by 
the conversations of the Christian matron mentioned. She 
perceived his promising talents, and strong moral susceptibil- 
ity. Devoting herself to the task of leading him to God, 
and hoping that he might be providentially called to impor- 
tant services in the church, she conversed with him frequently 
on subjects of religion, and succeeded at last in awakening in 
Ms mind a deep concern for his spiritual safety. About this 
time the old Yergennes Circuit was formed, and took in the 
town of Starkesboro' ; Joseph Mitchell, a man mighty in 
word and in doctrine, opportunely visited the place. Young 
Hedding heard him preach — his convictions were deepened, 
and as he returned to his home, he retired into a forest, and, 
kneeling down by a large tree, covenanted with God to live 



CONFERENCE OE 1799. 



475 



and die in his service, whatever might be the sacrifice in- 
volved in the resolution. Soon after, he heard Mr. Mitchell 
again ; the discourse was one of remarkable power ; it dis- 
closed to him, in a manner he had never yet perceived, the 
exceeding sinfulness of sin, and the peril of the unrenewed 
soul. He was now seized with unutterable anxiety, and for 
several weeks sought after God with anguish and tears, night 
and day ; divine truth shone forth upon his conscience in all 
its reality, and he trembled under the sense of his sinfulness 
and danger. Such, usually, are the profound convictions 
and spiritual travail of those whom God designs for important 
purposes in his church. 

He looked with longing sohcitude for the next visit of the 
Itinerant evangelist ; he arrived and preached in the house 
where the youthful penitent had been accustomed to read the 
sermons of Wesley. After the discourse, a class-meeting was 
held, as usual, by the preacher ; on ascertaining the deep 
convictions of young Hedding, he proposed that special 
prayer should be made in his behalf; the man of God and 
the pious cottagers bowed around him, and continued in 
supplication, till the light of God's reconciled countenance 
broke upon his troubled spirit. He was brought up out of 
the horrible pit and out of the miry clay, and a new song 
was put into his mouth, even praise to God. This joyful 
day in his history was the 27th of December, 1798. 

It was not long before he was Hcensed to exliort, and in 
about a year was sent by the Presiding Elder on to Essex 
Circuit, Vt., to supply the place of the eccentric Lorenzo Dow, 
who, after travelhng and laboring with incredible diligence, 
had departed under a supposed divine impression to preach 
in Ireland. He continued about three months on that Cir- 
cuit, exhorting, without a text, at all the appointments, hold- 
ing a public meeting and leading a class daily. His word 



4T6 



MEMORIALS OP METHODISM. 



was in demonstration of the Spirit and of power — revivals 
broke out around the Circuit, and many were added to the 
Lord. He soon after received license as a local preacher, 
and was sent bj the Presiding Elder to Plattsburgh Circuit, 
N, Y., whence he was transferred in about six weeks 
to Cambridge Circuit, to supply the place of a disabled 
preacher. On both these Circuits, extensive revivals attend- 
ed his labors. At the Conference of 1801, he was received 
on probation, and despatched again to Plattsburgh. It was 
a vast Circuit, requiring about three hundred miles of travel 
monthly, with daily public labors. It reached from Ticon- 
deroga on the south, to beyond the Canada line on the 
north, meandering extensively to the right and left, and the 
laborious Itinerant was compelled to swim streams, traverse 
forests on new and rough roads, and sleep in log cabins 
through which the rain and snow often beat upon him in his 
bed. Many of the settlements were recent, and in some of 
them the gospel had never been preached before. The set- 
tlers thronged to hear the word, and the Spirit of God attend- 
ed it. A flame of divine influence spread through the Cir- 
cuit, and hosts were reclaimed from their sins and gathered 
into the church. In 1802, he was appointed to Fletcher 
Circuit, another vast field of labor, extending from Onion 
River, Vt., on the south, to fifteen or twenty miles beyond 
the Canada line, and including the settlements east of Lake 
Champlain and west of the Green Mountains. Here he 
had to travel three hundred miles a month, preach once, and 
often twice daily, besides attending classes and prayer-meet- 
ings. His colleague was Henry Ryan — "a brave Irish- 
man," says our authority, a man who labored as if the judg- 
ment thunders were to follow each sermon. The route of 
the Circuit was in the form of the figure eight. The two 
preachers usually met at the point of intersection, when Ryan, 



CONFEKENGE OF 1799. 



477 



hastily saluting his young fellow laborer, would exclaim as 
he passed, " Drive on ! drive on ! brother, let us drive the 
devil out of the land " — a rough but significant expression 
of the tireless energy which characterized the Itinerant min- 
istry of that day. Here, likewise, were encountered all the 
privations and exposures of a recent country — bad roads, long 
drives in wintry storms, and through forests bound in ice, 
and sleepless nights spent in log cabins, through which the 
winds whistled and the snow pelted. More serious trials at- 
tended them and their successors in this region ; while many 
of the settlers were hungry for the word of life, and welcom- 
ed them as the men who showed the way of salvation ; others, 
perverted by their long privation of religious influences, per- 
sued them with relentless persecutions. In some places 
Hedding was hooted and threatened in the streets ; Dow 
was struck in the face, Abner Wood was horsewhipped, and 
Elijah Sabin severely wounded on the head, by the butt end 
of a whip, as we have noticed. Still they prevailed ; their 
persecutors were often marvellously awakened, multitudes 
received them joyfully, and gladly shared the reproach of 
the cross, and now peaceful and prosperous churches are 
spread all over that region — the fruits of the toils and suf- 
ferings of Hedding and his co-laborers. 

In 1803, he was sent to Bridgewater Circuit, N. H., which 
comprized 13 towns, and required 100 miles travel per week, 
two sermons usually a day, and three on the Sabbath. 
Here he had no colleague, but bore the burden alone. A 
most remarkable revival attended his labors, intense interest 
spread throughout the Circuit, hundreds were awakened, and 
it seemed that the whole population were about to turn unto 
God by repentance. Excited, himself, by the general inter- 
est and unaided by a fellow-laborer, he exerted himself be- 
yond his strength, and in the midst of his labors he was smit- 



478 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



en down by disease from which he has never recovered. He 
was unable to turn himself in bed, or lift food to his lips dur- 
ing six weeks, and more than four months passed before he 
could walk across his chamber ; he resumed, however, his 
work, and the remainder of the year went around the Circuit, 
preaching as he had strength, and gathering the fruits of his 
former labors. He formed during this year many new socie- 
ties, which are still thriving. In 1804, he was on Hanover 
Circuit, N. H. The next year he was present at the Lynn 
Conference, and was ordained Elder by Bishop Asbury, at a 
public service in a neighboring woods. He shared in the 
usual public labors of the session, during which great dis- 
plays of the spirit of God were witnessed, scores were awak- 
ened, some fell as dead men to the earth, many cried aloud 
with anguish, while others wept in silence or rejoiced with 
thanksgiving for the pardon of their sins. A great noise 
went abroad, and hundreds flocked to witness the scene ; the 
rabble raged and made threatening demonstrations, but the 
power of the word prevailed against all opposition; the 
multitudes bowed before it as the forest under the whirlwind, 
and even late at night, after continual labors during the day, 
Mr. Heddnig was called up from his sleep to pray with and 
counsel the broken hearted ones who still lingered on their 
knees, determined, like Jacob, to wrestle till the break of day 
for the divine mercy. Many old Methodists still recall that 
remarkable occasion. 

From this Conference he was sent to Barre Circuit, Vt., 
with Dan Young. Here again he had a vast field of travel 
and toil, preaching in 20 towns and riding about 300 miles 
every four weeks with daily services. Gracious revivals pre- 
vailed in various parts of the Circuit, and to many aged saints 
living within its range the name of Hedding is still precious, 
as the guide of their youthful feel into the path of life. He 



CONFERENCE OF 1799. 



479 



had a faithful colleague this year ; thej met every fortnight 
at Montpelier, the centre of the Circuit, where they preached 
in presence of each other the same day. By an arrange- 
ment made for their mutual improvement, each took note of 
the defects of the other's sermon, and afterwards discussed 
them in the spirit of kindness and confidence. This confi- 
dential arrangement extended subsequently to all the faults 
they heard ascribed to each other, and finally to all that they 
themselves mutually perceived or supposed. The common 
sufferings of Methodist preachers in those days, and the little 
opportunity they had amidst their vast labors for self improv- 
ment, rendered such frankness frequent and desirable. 

In 1806, Mr. Hedding travelled the Vershire Circuit, Vt. 
During this year, his prudence was called into exercise and 
tested by a remarkable occurrence. The disposition to emi- 
grate to Ohio infected that whole section of the coun- 
try. It became a species of mania, and every official mem- 
ber of the Circuit departed to the west about the same time, 
leaving it without a single Local Preacher, Trustee, Steward 
or Leader. The church, through the whole series of towns 
comprized in the Circuit, was thus suddenly left without a 
single officer, and the vacant posts had to be as suddenly 
filled by new appointments. Mr. Hedding's discrimination 
was, however, found adequate to the singular exigency. He 
selected judicious and efficient men, and no inconvenience 
ensued. In 1807, he was appointed Presiding Elder of New 
Hampshire District, which included the entire extent of the 
State, except a small fragment about Portsmouth that pertain- 
ed to the Boston District. His labors this year were Hercu- 
lean, involving at least three thousand miles of travel and a 
daily pubUc service, besides the usual and perplexing eccle- 
siastical business of the office ; such, too, was the poverty of 
the infant churches on the District, that at the end of the 



480 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM, 



year his aggregate receipts for salary, besides travelling ex- 
penses, was $4.25, The provision for the preachers under 
him was proportionately small, for no estimate of " Table ex- 
penses," was made in those days of destitution, and most of 
the preachers were single men. Nevertheless, they were sus- 
tained with the divine blessing upon their souls and upon their 
labors ; while they shared the poverty of the people, they par- 
took with them, also, of "Angels' food ! " " Gracious revivals 
prevailed through the District, the Quarterly Meetings were 
occasions of great gatherings, and often of marvellous displays 
of the grace of God. The foundations were laid, by these 
suffering and laborious men, for the numerous and more com- 
petent societies which are now scattered over New Hamp- 
shire. He continued two years on this District, and saw 
Methodism extended vastly in the State. 

In 1809, he was removed to New London District, which 
he travelled two years. It extended from Long Island Sound 
to New Hampshire, and from the Connecticut River to Nar- 
ragansett Bay, R. I., and Needham, Mass. Several camp- 
meetings were held within it during those two years, and 
were remarkably successful. One particularly, at Hebron, 
Conn., was attended by an large concourse, about three 
thousand people being present constantly, many from great 
distances. The preaching of the word was distinguished by ex- 
traordinary effects. It was estimated by Mr. Hedding himself, 
that, under one sermon " five hundred persons fell to the earth 
as if shot, in five minutes." The excitement was resistless, and 
many sober-minded Christians, who had always opposed such 
scenes, were smitten down and lay insensible for hours. The 
fruits of those great occasions are still scattered through New 
England. During the following four years he was stationed, 
respectively, at Boston, Nantucket and Lynn — at the latter 
two years. 



CONFERENCE OF 1799. 



481 



In the years 1815-16 he again labored in Boston, with 
Daniel Fillemore. This was a critical period in the history 
of Methodism in that city — the darkest day that ever low- 
ered over it. After unparalleled struggles, the society 
had succeeded, at a large expense, in erecting the Bromfield 
Street Chapel. The disastrous effects of the war on business, 
frustrated their fiscal plans, and left them with insupportable 
incumbrances. A sum of eighteen thousand dollars must be 
raised within a hmited time, or their property be forfeited. 
The embarrassment seemed inextricable, and as one Board of 
Trustees held both houses, it was the general anticipation 
that all the Methodists of Boston would be turned out of 
doors " and left without a sanctuary to meet in. But at this 
critical juncture the generosity and business talent of Colonel 
Amos Binney, together with the exertions of their pastors, 
provided deliverance for them. The former, who was con- 
ducting an extensive and varied business, pledged himself that 
if the latter would sell on credit a number of pews, equivalent 
in value to the debt, he would accept the notes of the pur- 
chasers, allow them to be paid in work, according to their 
respective business, and pay down at once the necessary sum 
of eighteen thousand dollars. Messrs. Hedding and Fille- 
more applied themselves to the task incessantly for several 
months, interceding with every one they met, from whom they 
could expect assistance, and at last, by extraordinary exer- 
tions, procured the necessary number of purchasers. The lat- 
ter held a public meeting at the chapel, signed their notes, 
the requisite sum was munificently paid down by Colonel 
Binney, and the chapels of Methodism in Boston saved. 

The work of God advanced gradually, but surely, in the 
city, during this period. Many were awakened and convert- 
ed, and the doctrine of Christian Sanctification, especially, 
41 



482 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



struck deep root in the societies. Many bright examples of 
it were raised up. 

The next year he was appointed to Portland District, and 
is so reported in the Minutes, hut owing to his enfeebled 
health the appointment was changed to Portland city. The 
ensuing three years he was at Lynn (two years) and New 
London. Li 1821, he took charge of Boston District, but 
his health was not sufficient for its great labors. The pulmona- 
ry and rheumatic affections he had contracted by exposures 
and excessive labors on Bridgewater Circuit, N. H., still af- 
fected him, and not a day or night has passed for forty-four 
years, in which he has not been reminded, by more or less 
pain, of those days of toil and suffering. He was compelled 
to retire from the District at the close of the year, and was 
returned to the city of Boston, where he labored two years, 
and in 1824 was elevated to the Episcopacy. The remainder 
of his life will form an important chapter in the history of the 
church, but it does not come within the compass of a local 
work like the present. He had his full share of the extraor- 
dinary labors which devolve on our Episcopal office. The 
whole nation has been his diocese. He has stood firmly at 
his post in days of strife and peril, and has aided in conduct- 
ing the church through exigencies which have made the stout- 
est hearts tremble. From the time that he commenced pro- 
claiming the truth in the wilds of New Hampshire and Cana- 
da, he has never wavered in the hope that God designed 
Methodism for enduring and universal triumphs, and would 
bring it forth with but hardier strength from its trials ; this 
hope is still unabated in his hoary age, and he is preparing to 
depart from his earthly labors with tranquil confidence in the 
destiny of the cause to which he has given a long life of pri- 
vation and toil. 



CONFERENCES OF 1799. 



483 



Bishop Hedding is tall, stout, and dignified in person ; his 
locks are white with age, his face remarkable for its benign 
and intelligent expression, and his tout ensemble most venera- 
ble and impressive. His manners are marked by the most 
perfect simplicity and ease. In the pulpit he is always per- 
spicuous, lucid and instructive. His discourses are precisely 
arranged, dehvered moderately, in a style of extreme sim- 
phcity, and frequently with passages of afiecting pathos. He 
has been distinguished for his accuracy in the doctrines and 
discipline of Methodism, the exact discrimination of his judg- 
ment, the extraordinary tenacity of his memory, the perma- 
nence of his friendships and his invariable prudence. 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 



CONCLUSION. 

Lee and Asbury return to the East — Prosperity of the Year — Condition of the Circuits 
— Controversy in Maine — Great Progress in Vermont — Lorenzo Dow — Elijah Bed- 
ding — Number of Methodists in the New England States — Conclusion. 

Lee was appointed at the New York Conference, to labor 
in that city, but accompanied Asbury again through the 
Middle and southern States, superintending the churches, 
assisting in the Conferences, and preaching with his usual 
frequency. As the time for the New England Conference 
of 1800 approached, he returned to the Eastern States, and 
made a rapid flight through most of them, delivering his 
message once more before he took a permanent leave of them. 
Bishops Asbury and Wliatcoat also entered New England 
about this time, on their way to the Lynn Conference ; they 
passed on rapidly, preaching constantly. They reached Lynn 
by the 17th, the day before the Conference. 

The ecclesiastical year 1799-1800 included thirteen 
months, and had been attended with gratifying prosperity. 
Beauchamp and Snelling had spread the doctrines of Method- 

484 



CONCLUSION. 485 

ism through most of the towns of Cape Cod. Rhode 
Island, so complacent to and yet so tardy in the new move- 
ment, had received a strong impulse under the unremitting 
labors of Canfield, Hall and Bishop. Instead of one Circuit 
it now reported two ; a new one had been formed, called 
Rhode Island. Many souls had been awakened on Green- 
wich and Warren Circuit, more than thirty of whom had been 
gathered into the church. Considerable impression had 
been made on Connecticut, especially on the New London 
Circuit. The tireless Lawrence McCoombs, combating op- 
position on all hands, had succeeded in fortifying the yet fee- 
ble societies throughout that large Circuit, and in planting 
several new ones. Great numbers were awakened and con- 
verted, and between thirty and forty received into the church. 
Ostrander had reaped some increase on Tolland Circuit ; — 
twenty-five had been gathered into the incipient societies, and 
many more awakened. Ebenezer Stevens had not labored in 
vain on Middletown Circuit ; the Spirit of God had descended 
upon the people in several places, and out of a multitude 
awakened, thirty were added to the church. While in some 
places in Massachusetts a declension had occurred, in others 
extensive revivals had prevailed ; Nantucket made its first 
returns of members, amounting to sixty-five ; Daniel Brum- 
ley had witnessed the victories of the truth on Pittsfield Cir- 
cuit ; hundreds felt its power, and more than one hundred 
and eighty were received into the church. Chesterfield, 
hitherto the solitary Circuit of New Hampshire, had also en- 
joyed the time of refreshing under the labors of John Nich- 
ols ; forty new members had been gathered, and another Cir- 
cuit projected. The hardy laborers in the field of Maine, 
Merritt, Soule, Brodhead, Heath, Finnegan, &c., had passed 
through severe struggles, but with their usual success. Their 
42 



486 



MEMOEIALS OF METHODISM. 



leader, Joshua Tavlor, had been drummed out of Castine 
with tin kettles, and their cause attacked with not a httle 
pugnacity from the 23ulpit and the press, by their Calvinistic 
brethren. Some agitation was excited by a pamphlet entitled 
" A brief Statement and Examination of the Sentiments of 
the Wesleyan Methodists, by Jonathan Ward, A.M.;" in 
which was alleged^ " 1 : that they hold that Christ has abohsh- 
ed the Moral Law ; 2 : deny regeneration by the special influ- 
ence of the Holy Spirit ; 3 : make purification to be by 
works ; 4 : make religion wholly selfish ; 5 : deny the doc- 
trine of eternal election ; 6 : deny the final perseverance of 
the saints ; 7 : hold to sinless perfection." These charges, 
all but the 5th and 6th, grossly false, proceeded doubtless 
from an honest, though uninformed mind, and were well 
adapted to excite the suspicion of dangerous heresy among a 
people who, mostly sprung from the Puritan stock of Massa- 
chusetts, had carried to this new settlement the rigid ortho- 
doxy of their fathers. Mr. Taylor, however, taking for liis 
motto the words of Zarobabel, Great is the truth, and 
stronger than all things," published a timely reply in a 
pamphlet of 76 pages, which was written in a style perspicuous 
and lucid, in a temper bland and devout, and with a decisive 
logic. Mr. Ward, though manifestly foiled, returned to the 
attack under cover of a "Vindication" of himself ; but a 
"Reply" from Mr. Taylor put an end to the controversy, 
and turned the advantage greatly to the persecuted church. 

Meanwhile, notwithstanding some local drawbacks, Method- 
ism advanced gradually in Maine. The quaint John Fin- 
negan and Comfort C. Smith had been instrumental of an 
extensive reformation on Bath and Union Circuit, where 
more than fifty were added to the societies. The Pleasant 
Kiver Circuit was abandoned, and its preacher went to a new 



CONCLUSION. 



48T 



one on Union River,* where many had been awakened and 
converted, and more than thirty enrolled in the new commu- 
nion. 

In Vermont the fields were white unto the harvest, and the 
reapers had thrust in the sickle and gathered a plenteous 
crop. The Spirit of God seemed diffused over all the Cir- 
cuits ; hundreds, if not thousands were converted, and nearly 
jive hundred renewed souls were incorporated into the Meth- 
odist societies The eccentric Lorenzo Dow had labored a 
short time with success on Essex Circuit, which extended 
through the southern part of the State into Canada. Seized 
by a sudden impression that it was his duty to cross the 
Atlantic and warn the Papists of Ireland, he erected a bush 
as a sail in a leaking canoe, and passing down the Mussis- 
que, made his way to Montreal, whence he pursued his pro- 
posed voyage. Meanwhile the Providence of God had 
been preparing, in a remote village, on the deserted Cir- 
cuit, a youthful evangelist who was destined to bear the 
standard of the truth onward over the continent, and be a 
burning and a shining light in the nation. Young Elijah 
Hedding had been converted under the labors of Joseph 
Mitchell, and was called out, as we have seen, by the Presid- 
ing Elder to take Dow's place. Full of the energy of youth and 
the unction of the Holy Spirit, he went round the Circuit like 
a flame of fire ;" the power of the highest seemed to fall on the 
rustic assemblies, the ungodly were smitten in their conscien- 
ces with terror and alarm, while the scattered disciples of the 
wilderness were quickened with new life and courage ; great 
numbers were converted unto God, and more than a hundred 
and sixty were added to the classes. Vergennes Circuit 
was travelled this year by two as indomitable men as ever 



* Lee's Hist, of Meth., p. 22ft(, 

43 



488 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



fought against the powers of darkness, Joseph Mitchell and 
Joseph Sawyer ; it was a scene of great labors and equal 
trials, but they bore courageously the brunt of the battle. A 
reformation spread over the Circuit, and about seventy were 
gathered into the classes. While Hedding, Mitchell and 
Sawyer, were thus spreading the flame of reformation west of 
the Green Mountains, Joseph Crawford and Elijah Chi- 
chester were extending it still more successfully east of them, 
on the Vershire Circuit, where the truth ran and was glori- 
fied, and more than a hundred were added to the church, be- 
sides hundreds more or less awakened, and many who were 
converted but entered other communions. Whitingham Cir- 
cuit, which had been detached and extended from the northern 
part of Pittsfield Circuit at the beginning of the year, had 
prospered greatly under the labors of the good Peter Vannest ; 
it made its first returns of members, amounting to nearly 
one hundred. A new Circuit had been projected, called 
Wethersfield, which extended along the western bank of the 
Connecticut, and comprised some eight or ten towns. It 
reported sixty four, as its first returns of members, at the next 
Conference. Only four years had passed since Nicholas 
Snethen travelled, the first Itinerant, on the first Circuit in 
Vermont ; there were now nearly eleven hundred Methodists 
in the State. They had much more than trebled, — nearly 
quadrupled in two years. 

There was at the end of the present ecclesiastical year 
the following number of Methodists in each New England 
State : Connecticut, 1571 ; Rhode Island, 227 ; Massachu- 
setts, 1577 ; Maine, 1197 ; New Hampshire, 171 ; Ver- 
mont, 1096 ; total, 5839. 

These successes were but preliminary to still greater tri- 
umphs, which were approaching in the ensuing year — a period 
of marvellous religious interest throughout the nation ; but 



CONCLUSION. 



489 



here, at the beginning of the century, and in view of the 
gathering brightness, we drop the curtain over the scene for 
the present. We have reached the appropriate limit of our 
first volume — the date of a new century, of the organization 
of the New England Conference by its separation from that 
of New York,* and of the retirement of Lee, the chief 
hero of our narrative, from the eastern field. We have 
seen him, solitary and friendless, begin his mission in New 
England, by proclaiming Ye must he born a^/ain,^' on the 
highway of Norwalk, June 17th, 1789 ; eleven years have 
passed, years of vast labors, sore trials, of poverty and per- 
plexity, and yet of triumph. A host of noble evangelists 
have entered the field — Roberts, Smith, Bloodgood, Mills, 
Hunt, Taylor, Mudge, Pickering, Ostrander, Mitchell, 
McCoombs, Brodhead, Merritt, Sabin, Bostwick, Beauchamp, 
Coate, Soule, Kibby, Webb, and many others who were 
" mighty through God." They have confounded opposition, 
have preached the word " in demonstration of the Spirit and 
of power," from Eairfield in Connecticut to the farthest 
eastern settlement of Maine, and from Provincetown in Mas- 
sachusetts to St. Alban's in Vermont. They have laid secure- 
ly the foundations of Methodism in all the New England 
States, and at the close of eleven years we behold it spread 
into bands, comprising nearly 50 preachers and more than 
5800 members, — an average of about 120 to each preacher, 
— and these members and preachers distributed over 4 
Districts and 31 Circuits. 

Passing from the vague and scanty reminiscences of the 
introduction of Methodism into New England, we shall in our 
next volume enter more definitively into its history ; recording 
not merely the formation of new Circuits and Districts, but 



* Lee's History of Methodism, Anno 1800 



490 



MEMORIALS OF METHODISM. 



of new Conferences — not merely annual gains of hundreds, 
but of thousands. Lee will pass once more, though casually, 
over the scene ; the great agencies of Academical, Collegiate 
and Theological Education, of the Press and of INIissions, — 
wide spread revivals, temporary heresies, agitations on pub- 
lic questions, secessions and yet continued triumphs, together 
with the appearance in the field of many additional and dis- 
tinguished laborers — Ruter, Merwin, Sargent, Kent, Wash- 
burn, Beale, Munger, Tisk, &c. — will afford more varied 
aspects to the narrative and more varied lessons to its 
readers. Thus far we have but traced the preliminary 
movements of the Denomination ; hereafter we shall contem- 
plate its results — results which, in half of a century, consti- 
tuted it the second religious body in numerical strength, and 
the first in progress within the New England States. 



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